Health Education from an Ecological Perspective. Adaptation of the Bronfenbrenner Model from an Experience with Adolescents

AbstractHealth requires the use of conceptual frameworks in order to understand it in its entirety and all its complexity. The ecological model of Bronfenbrenner is presented as a tool to collect the different variables involved in the conceptualisation of health.The research shows health discourses and lifestyles referred to by a group of adolescents from an ecological, salutogenic and cross-cultural perspective in order to build health education models derived from their own worldviews.To achieve this aim, photovoice was used as a methodological tool and the results were analysed using the qualitative data analysis program Atlas-Ti 7.The results show an adaptation of Bronfenbrenner's ecological model that stems from its application on speeches on health

Cluster of legionnaires’ disease in an Italian prison

Background: Legionella pneumophila (Lp) is the most common etiologic agent causing Legionnaires’ Disease (LD). Water systems offer the best growth conditions for Lp and support its spread by producing aerosols. From 2015 to 2017, the Regional Reference Laboratory of Clinical and Environmental Surveillance of Legionellosis of Palermo monitored the presence of Lp in nine prisons in Western Sicily. During this investigation, we compared Lp isolates from environmental samples in a prison located in Palermo with isolates from two prisoners in the same prison. Methods: We collected 93 water samples from nine Sicilian prisons and the bronchoalveolar lavages (BALs) of two prisoners considered cases of LD. These samples were processed following the procedures described in the Italian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Legionellosis of 2015. Then, genotyping was performed on 19 Lp colonies (17 from water samples and 2 from clinical samples) using the Sequence-Based Typing (SBT) method, according to European Study Group for Legionella Infections (ESGLI) protocols. Results: Lp serogroup (sg) 6 was the most prevalent serogroup isolated from the prisons analyzed (40%), followed by Lp sg 1 (16%). Most of all, in four penitentiary institutions, we detected a high concentration of Lp >104 Colony Forming Unit/Liter (CFU/L). The environmental molecular investigation found the following Sequence Types (STs) in Lp sg 6: ST 93, ST 292, ST 461, ST 728, ST 1317 and ST 1362, while most of the isolates in sg 1 belonged to ST 1. We also found a new ST that has since been assigned the number 2451 in the ESGLI-SBT database. From the several Lp sg 1 colonies isolated from the two BALs, we identified ST 2451. Conclusions: In this article, we described the results obtained from environmental and epidemiological investigations of Lp isolated from prisons in Western Sicily. Furthermore, we reported the first cluster of Legionnaires’ in an Italian prison and the molecular typing of Lp sg 1 from one prison’s water system and two BALs, identified the source of the contamination, and discovered a new ST

Multicultural and egalitarian beliefs in a Europe in transformation. A study with teachers in southern Italy

Europe is going through one of the most regressive moments in terms of rights for migrants. Policies that justify the questioning of rights are based and, in turn, contribute to the formation of certain beliefs towards diversity. These beliefs in the teaching staff condition the teaching-learning processes, the modes of relationship and the transmission of values within the classroom. This study focuses on knowing teachers' beliefs towards multiculturalism and equality in Southern Italy, one of the areas with the greatest migration control in Europe. For the research, the Cultural Beliefs for Teachers Scale (TCBS) was validated cross-culturally (through exploratory and confirmatory analysis) that was applied to 300 teachers from Sicilian public schools. The results show, despite the political context, that teachers maintain positive beliefs towards equality and multiculturalism. Women manifest more positive beliefs towards multiculturalism in the classroom than their male peers, while the group with more years of teaching offers worse results towards multiculturalism outside the classroom. This general overview offers an image of schools as potential spaces for democratic resistance. However, there is a need to develop new instruments that assess contemporary forms of discrimination more concretely and sensitively.Europa atraviesa uno de los momentos más regresivos en materia de derechos para las personas migrantes. Las políticas que justifican el cuestionamiento de derechos se asientan y, a su vez, contribuyen a la conformación de determinadas creencias hacia la diversidad. Estas creencias en el profesorado condicionan los procesos de enseñanzaaprendizaje, los modos de relación y la transmisión de valores dentro del aula. Este estudio se centra en conocer las creencias del profesorado hacia la multiculturalidad y la igualdad en el sur de Italia, una de las zonas de mayor control migratorio en Europa. Para la investigación se validó transculturalmente la encuesta de Creencias culturales para profesores (The Teachers Cultural Beliefs Scale –TCBS-) (mediante análisis exploratorio y confirmatorio) que se aplicó sobre 300 docentes de centros educativos públicos sicilianos. Los resultados muestran, pese al contexto político, que el profesorado mantiene creencias positivas hacia la igualdad y la multiculturalidad. Las mujeres manifiestan creencias más positivas hacia la multiculturalidad en el aula que sus pares masculinos, mientras que el grupo con más años de docencia ofrece peores resultados hacia la multiculturalidad fuera del aula. Esta panorámica general, ofrece una imagen de las escuelas como potenciales espacios de resistencia democrática. No obstante, es preciso desarrollar instrumentos que valoren de manera más concreta y sensible las formas contemporáneas de discriminación

Grain Sorting Effects on Geochemical Characteristics of Sulfide Mine Tailings: a Case Study

The geochemical evolution of a sulfide mine tailings impoundment in SW Spain was studied. The impoundment was selected because of its small size and its tailings deposition system with a simple discharge point. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that mineral segregation associated to hydraulic sorting has significant effects on the geochemical characteristics and the long term weathering. Tailings samples were collected along depth profiles in three sampling points (proximal, central and distal to the point of discharge), and characterized by color, grain size, pH, acid-base account and chemical elements concentration, with the help of routine XRD analysis. Three vertical zones were identified: an upper oxidized zone, a transition intermediate zone, and an unoxidized zone. The analytical results indicate a segregation pattern in the unoxidized tailings based on differences in size and density of tailings grains. Near the discharge point, tailings were coarser and rich in pyrite, whereas the proportion of silicates increased from proximal to distal points. This results in a clear zoning which has consequences on geochemical and mineralogical evolution under weathering, showing substantial differences in the depth of the oxidation front, the acid generation and neutralization capacity, the formation of Fe secondary phases (jarosite) and the total content of the sulfide-related elements (Fe, As, Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd). The results of the study can serve to improve the theoretical bases for the development of conceptual models for predicting environmental impacts associated with sulfide tailings impoundments. Recently, the impoundment has been covered with a soil cover. This fact offers the possibility of new research on its evolution under new conditions

Actitudes hacia personas refugiadas y ciudadanía europea inclusiva. Análisis para una propuesta educativa intercultural con el profesorado en formación

The recent migratory crisis has multiplied the number of school age people that are forced to immigrate. The integration of the minors in host countries demands not only schooling, but also an inclination of the educational community to accept the said reality and critically manage European immigration policies. At the European level there is a growing rejection toward the migratory phenomenon and European policies. This study analyzes the attitudes toward refugees through the perception of real threat, symbol, and the affective reactions that the future professors experience. Furthermore, it explores in what extent the attitudes toward refugees are related to an inclusive European citizenship. It involves survey research (a sample of 624 education students from southeast Spain in recent years) with a transversal design. The used instrument is a modified version of the scale of attitudes and a scale of inclusive European citizenship itself. The results show a marked indifference toward the related issues with refugees, but not a perceived elevated threat or marked emotional reactions. While the attitudes toward refugees are not very positive, there is a positive inclusive European citizenship that legitimizes the reception of refugees in European states, the cession of equal rights and possibilities of new forms of coexistence. This study manifests a marked correlation between attitudes toward refugees and inclusive European citizenship, where the perceived threat appears like the principal predictor of inclusive citizenship. The results permit us to place these future teachers inside the European panorama as one of the social sectors less affected by the growing xenophobia and discredit toward the European Union. However, they are precise and urgent programs of training in intercultural, antiracist and migratory educatio

A NEW CASE OF LOUSE-BORNE RELAPSING FEVER IN SICILY: CASE REPORT AND MINI REVIEW

Body lice transport B. recurrentis from man to man and humans are the only host. The presence of lice in Italy and an increasing number of cases in migrants can contribute to the onset of autochthonous cases. In this paper, we report a new case of Louse-borne Relapsing Fever (LBRF) diagnosed among migrants in Sicily exactly one year after the first case was recorded. We reviewed all cases reported in Europe from February 2016 until now. Our study identified two new cases of LBRF in migrants arrived in Europe: one who came from Somalia and one from Mali. Here we report data on a new case in Sicily. The number of migrants and refugees to transit in Sicily has increased, and this has led to the introduction of infectious diseases. Therefore, in our opinion it is essential to upgrade control of the sanitation conditions of migrants

Impacto de una intervención en salud transcultural liderada por adolescentes autóctonos e inmigrantes sobre la actividad física de niños y niñas de educación primaria

The formation of multicultural societies requires the definition of new educational approaches in understanding of the similarities and cultural differences of socio-cultural groups that coexisting, recognizing their potentialities and their different problems. The objective of this study is to know the effects on the physical activity of an intervention education program in cross-cultural health led by Spanish, Moroccan and Romanian - as cultural mediators in health - on primary school students. Method. Quasiexperimental study with experimental group and control with the participant students of sixth of Primary Education. Instruments. Scale of evaluation of the attitudes towards the physical activity. Results. High levels of physical activity in the Moroccan population are to the other two cultural groups. After the intervention, an improvement in the knowledge on the benefits of physical activity and an increase in motivation. At the Attitudinal Level there is an increase in attitudes toward marginally significant physical activity in men of the experimental group, both Primary Education and Education High school. La conformación de sociedades multiculturales obliga a definir nuevos enfoques educativos en salud que comprendan las similitudes y diferencias culturales de los grupos socioculturales que conviven, reconociendo sus potencialidades y sus distintas problemáticas. El objetivo de este estudio reside en conocer los efectos sobre la actividad física de una intervención educativa en salud transcultural liderada por alumnado de secundaria español, marroquí y rumano -en calidad de mediadores culturales en salud- sobre alumnado de primaria.Método. Estudio cuasiexperimental con grupo experimental y control con el alumnado participante de sexto de Educación Primaria.Instrumentos. Escala de evaluación de las actitudes hacia la actividad física.Resultados. Se aprecian niveles de actividad física superiores en la población marroquí respecto a los otros dos grupos culturales. Tras la intervención se valora una mejoría en los conocimientos sobre los beneficios de la actividad física y un aumento de la motivación referida. A nivel actitudinal se produce un incremento en las actitudes hacia la actividad física marginalmente significativo en hombres del grupo experimental, tanto de Educación Primaria como de Educación Secundaria

Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of Mono- and Bi-Cationic Pyridinium 1,2,4-Oxadiazoles and Triazoles

One of the main causes of mortality in humans continues to be infectious diseases. Scientists are searching for new alternatives due to the fast increase in resistance of some harmful bacteria to the frontline antibiotics. To effectively treat pathogenic infections, it is crucial to design antibiotics that can prevent the development of pathogenic resistance. For this purpose, a set of 39 quaternary pyridinium and bis-pyridinium salts with different lengths of side alkyl or fluorinated chains, heterocyclic spacers, and counter ions were tested on diverse reference bacterial ATCC (American Type Culture Collection) strains, such as S. aureus and E. coli. Subsequently, 6 out of the 39 pyridinium salts showing relevant MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) values were tested on clinically isolated, resistant strains of S. aureus, S. epidermids, S. haemolyticus, K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii, and P. aeruginosa. Additional tests have been performed to assess if the minimum concentration detected through MIC assay may limit the growth of biofilms

VIRULENCE FACTORS AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE OF ESCHERICHIA COLI ST131 IN COMMUNITY-ONSET HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS IN SICILY, ITALY

Escherichia coli ST131 is an emerging resistant agent recently called \u201csuperbug\u201d in England. This strain is responsible of community-acquired urinary tract infections and nowadays showing increasing resistance to antibiotics like fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins. Survey of virulent bacterial clone is relevant to control its spreading in community. We aim to assess the circulation of resistant clones Escherichia coli ST131 outside of the hospital to prompt control of outbreak in our geographical area. We selected 105 E. coli resistant isolates from community-acquired urinary infections and performed a multiplex PCR to evaluate if they belonged to the ST131 type. We investigated their set of virulence factors; in particular, kpsMII, papA, sfaS, focG, iutA, papC, hlyD and afa genes, and finally, we evaluated beta lactamases genes and quinolone resistance determinants. E. coli ST 131 clone was present in 66.6% of our isolates and showed positivity to a wide range of resistance genes, in particular blaCTX-M-15 among beta lactamases and plasmid-related quinolone resistance genes (qnrA, qnrS and aac (6\u2019)-Ib-cr). Moreover, 81% of the strains showed positivity to at least one of the virulence factor genes. Our results suggested a high presence of E. coli ST131 in community. We suggest antibiotic stewardship for outpatient clinicians and facilities to contain the spread of \u201csuperbug\u201d agents

HELICOBACTER PYLORI AND EPSTEIN\u2013BARR CO-INFECTION IN GASTRIC DISEASE

The incidence of gastrointestinal diseases and in particular gastric cancer (GC) is high worldwide. Over the last few years, numerous studies have speculated that Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can be correlated with gastric cancerogenesis. Virulence factors of H. pylori can contribute to the variability of clinical outcomes: among the most important virulence factors is the pathogenicity island (CagPAI), vacA and oipA gene. EBV infection usually persists in B cells and induces an inflammatory reaction in cooperation with H. pylori. In Sicily, H. pylori and EBV infections are particularly prevalent, and to our knowledge no study has addressed this yet. The aim of our study was to examine the association of H. pylori and EBV infection in patients with gastric diseases in Sicily. Gastric biopsies were collected from 24 adult patients with chronic gastritis active (CGA) and from 24 adult patients without any gastric disease (NGD) who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. H. pylori infection was diagnosed by PCR for ureaseA gene while EBV-DNA was detected by Real time PCR for region Bam HI-W. Moreoever, we investigated the presence of CagPaI and the status of vacA and oipA genes. Percentage of resistance to Clarithromycin of H. pylori was evaluated also. We established that H. pylori and EBV infection was present in 42% of patients, while dual infection with H. pylori and EBV-DNA was present in 54% of the patients with CGA. In patients with NGD we found that H. pylori and EBV infection was present in 46% and in 21% of patients respectively, while co-infection was present in 33% of patients. CagPAI was present in only 20% of patients with GCA and in 9% of patients with NGD. As regards vacA alleles, s2i2m2 were predominant, present in 80% and 82% of patients with CGA and NGD respectively. The status \u201cON\u201d of oipA gene was present in the same percentage. Finally, we found that 38% of patients positive for H. pylori infection showed resistance to Clarithromycin. In our study, there was a strong association between the simultaneous presence of H. pylori and EBV infection in patients with CGA compared to patients with NGD. Furthermore, our data confirmed the high percentage of resistance among H. pylori strains circulating in Sicily, underlining the importance of establishing a therapy that is effective in eradicating them and reducing the frequency of coinfections and evolution towards gastric cancerogenesi