Search

Infection with Blastocystis sp. has been reported in free-living and captive non-human primates (NHPs); however, surveys on Blastocystis sp. from north-western South America are scarce. This study aimed to identify Blastocystis sp. in free-ranging NHPs living in Colombia. A total of 212 faecal samples were collected from Ateles hybridus, Cebus versicolor, Alouatta seniculus, Aotus griseimembra, Sapajus apella, and Saimiri cassiquiarensis. Smears and flotation were used for morphological identification. For samples microscopically classified as positive for Blastocystis sp., we used conventional PCR to amplify and sequence two regions of the SSU rRNA gene and used Maximum Likelihood methods and Median Joining Network analyses for phylogenetic analyses. Via microscopy, 64 samples were Blastocystis sp. positive. Through molecular analyses, 18 sequences of Blastocystis sp. subtype 8 (ST8) were obtained. Strain and allele assignment together with a comparative phylogenetic approach confirmed that the sequences were ST8. Alleles 21, 156, and 157 were detected. Median Joining network analyses showed one highly frequent haplotype shared by specimens from Colombia and Peru and close relationships between haplotypes circulating in NHPs from Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, and Mexico. This survey could support the elaboration of a more accurate epidemiological picture of the Blastocystis sp. infecting NHPs.

In this study, four dead great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis (Blumenbach, 1978) specimens, collected from the coasts and lakes of Southern Italy, were examined by necropsy for the detection of Contraceacum sp. The adults and larvae found were subjected to morphological analysis and molecular identification by PCR-RFLP. A total of 181 Contracaecum specimens were detected in all of the four great cormorants examined (prevalence = 100%), showing an intensity of infestation between nine and ninety-two. A co-infestation by adult and larval forms of Contracaecum rudolphii was found only in one of the great cormorants examined. Following molecular investigations, 48 specimens of C. rudolphii A and 38 specimens of C. rudolphii B were detected, revealing co-infestation solely for the great cormorant from Leporano Bay (Southern Italy). Our results showed an opposite ratio between C. rudolphii A and C. rudolphii B in Pantelleria and in Salso Lake (Southern Italy) compared to what was reported in the literature, probably due to migratory stopovers and the ecology of the infested fish species, confirming the role of Contracaecum nematodes as ecological tags of their hosts.

Infective third-stage larvae (L3) of the marine nematode

The aim of the paper is to talk about the risk management system especially today in pandemic time. The authors would like to analyze the issue of risk management in an economic and healthcare context. taking into account that there are strong relationships between society and health such as the question of social responsibility and organization, social responsibility and social impact and social responsibility and competitiveness. The correlation between economy and health is highlighted in the healthcare sector, where the risk profile is in fact considered complex and extremely dynamic.

Anisakiasis is a zoonosis caused by the ingestion of raw or undercooked seafood infected with third-stage larvae (L3) of the marine nematode Anisakis. Based on L3 localization in human accidental hosts, gastric, intestinal or ectopic (extra-gastrointestinal) anisakiasis can occur, in association with mild to severe symptoms of an allergic nature. Given the increasing consumption of fish worldwide, the European Food Safety Authority declared Anisakis as an emerging pathogen. Despite its importance for public health and economy, the scientific literature is largely characterized by taxonomic, systematic and ecological studies, while investigations on clinical aspects, such as the inflammatory and immune response during anisakiasis, using a proper model that simulates the niche of infection are still very scarce. The aims of this review are to describe the clinical features of anisakiasis, to report the main evidence from the in vivo and in vitro studies carried out to date, highlighting limitations, and to propose future perspectives in the study field of anisakiasis.

The economy and health of the world’s population have been recurrently affected by infectious diseases since records began in the early 1900s, including large epidemic events that involved diseases such as the ‘Spanish influenza’, West Nile fever, Ebola hemorrhagic fever, ‘Swine influenza’, Zika, HIV/AIDS, SARS-CoV-1, MERS, COVID-19, Monkeypox, to name but a few [...]

Infective third-stage larvae (L3) of the marine nematode Anisakis pegreffii cause inflammation and clinical symptoms in humans, their accidental host, that subside and self-resolve in a couple of weeks after L3 die. To characterise the differences in an early immune response of a marine vs. terrestrial host, we stimulated peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) of fish (paratenic host) and rat (accidental, human-model host) with A. pegreffii crude extract and analysed PBL transcriptomes 1 and 12 h post-stimulation. Fish and rat PBLs differentially expressed 712 and 493 transcripts, respectively, between 1 and 12 h post-stimulation (false discovery rate, FDR 2). While there was a difference in the highest upregulated transcripts between two time-points, the same Gene Ontologies, biological processes (intracellular signal transduction, DNA-dependent transcription, and DNA-regulated regulation of transcription), and molecular functions (ATP and metal ion binding) were enriched in the two hosts, showing an incrementing dynamic between 1 and 12 h. This suggests that the two distinct hosts employ qualitatively different transcript cascades only to achieve the same effect, at least during an early innate immunity response. Activation of later immunity elements and/or a combination of other host’s intrinsic conditions may contribute to the death of L3 in the terrestrial host.

BackgroundAscaris lumbricoidesandAscaris suumare the most common soil-transmitted helminths of humans and pigs, respectively. The zoonotic potential ofA. suumhas been a matter of debate for decades. This study was aimed to present a case of human ascariasis caused byA. suumin southern Italy.Case presentationA 75-year-old man presented to the department of surgery in Avellino (southern Italy) complaining of abdominal pain and vomiting. Physical examination revealed bloating and abdominal tenderness. A computed tomography scan showed air-fluid levels and small bowel distension. During exploratory laparotomy a small bowel volvulus with mesenteritis was evident and surprisingly an intraluminal worm was detected. The worm was removed with a small enterotomy and identified as an adult female ofA. suumbased on morphological and molecular analysis. Faecal examination revealed the presence of unfertilizedAscariseggs with an intensity of 16 eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces. The patient was treated with mebendanzole 100 mg twice a day for 3 days. The post-operative course was regular with re-alimentation after 3 days and discharge after 12 days.ConclusionsThis report shows asA. suumcan function as a relevant agent of human zoonosis. Therefore, in patients with bowel obstruction with no evident aetiology a helminthic infestation should be considered for an accurate diagnosis, especially in patients living in rural areas.

Crowdfunding is an emerging practice that plays a central role in funding innovative ideas that support social sustainability. B-Corps are sustainable companies that are increasingly pursuing innovative financial strategies to fund their corporate sustainability goals. To date, the use of crowdfunding as a social financing innovation by B-Corp organisations has received scant attention. This paper contributes to closing this gap by addressing three research questions. The first investigates the relationship between B-Corps certification and the use of crowdfunding. The second explores whether there is a relationship between crowdfunding and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The third investigates B-Corps’ level of information transparency in relation to this innovation and SDGs. Our investigation involved a cross-analysis of B Labs and the main crowdfunding platforms. In total, 28 B-Corps were identified as using crowdfunding platforms. Of these, 22 were selected for analysis. Our findings reveal that the pandemic period increased the use of crowdfunding among B-Corps. Crowdfunding financing was not found to be linked to the SDGs as not all investors purse these goals. We further found that investors prefer to base their decisions on the information communicated via crowdfunding platforms. Few companies declared the use of this innovative form of financing on their websites, especially on the homepage, and less than half of the companies analyzed included this form of financing in their sustainability reports. Our findings suggest that managers should provide specific information on the objectives of the campaign to be funded on the crowdfunding platforms and in the “other sustainability documents”. This way the campaigns would be more effective and could raise a greater amount of money.

Background: Anisakis spp. third-stage larvae (L3) are the causative agents of human zoonosis called anisakiasis. The accidental ingestion of L3 can cause acute and chronic inflammation at the gastric, intestinal, or ectopic levels. Despite its relevance in public health, studies on pathogenetic mechanisms and parasite-human interplay are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the human inflammatory response to different Anisakis vehicles of pathogenicity. Methods: Human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells were exposed to Anisakis L3 (the initial contact with the host), extracellular vesicles (EVs, Anisakis–host communication), and crude extract (CE, the larval dying). The protein quantity and gene expression of two pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8) were investigated using an ELISA test (6 h and 24 h) and a qReal-Time PCR (1 h, 6 h, and 24 h), respectively. Results: The L3 and EVs induced a downregulation in both the Il-6 and Il-8 gene expression and protein quantity. On the contrary, the CE stimulated IL-6 gene expression and its protein release, not affecting IL-8. Conclusions: The Caco-2 cells seemed to not react to the exposure to the L3 and EVs, suggesting a parasite’s immunomodulating action to remain alive in an inhospitable niche. Conversely, the dying larva (CE) could induce strong activation of the immune strategy of the host that, in vivo, would lead to parasite expulsion, eosinophilia, and/or granuloma formation.

Parasitic nematodes infecting humans and animals are widely distributed in marine and terrestrial environments, causing considerable morbidity and mortality globally [...]

Demand side management is one of the strategies for an optimal management of DH networks. This consists in rescheduling the time the heating systems are switched on and off, or modifying their settings. In this way, the thermal request profile results as changed, with the following effects: 1) additional buildings can be connected to the network without installing new pipelines; 2) a better exploitation of renewable energy sources can be achieved; 3) a reduction of the heat produced by heat-only boilers is obtained. This work shows the potential of demand side management in DH networks in terms of thermal peak shaving. This is done by optimally rescheduling building heating systems. The best rescheduling is evaluated by means of a simulation tool. An experimental test performed on a distribution network shows that a peak reduction of about 5% can be achieved in case of strong limitations on the modifications. Simulations show that a relaxation of limitations leads to a reduction up to about 35% of peak request.

Cystic echinococcosis is a globally distributed zoonotic disease of great medical and veterinary importance, which is caused by the cestode Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. In Ukraine, two areas of the prominent circulation of the parasite are established, the southern steppe zone with sheep as the main transmitter, and the northern forest-steppe zone and Polissia, where pigs are mainly responsible for maintaining the E. granulosus transmission. Given that only a few studies have so far addressed the genetic diversity of the parasite in Ukraine, we have sequenced partial mitochondrial genes of cytochrome c oxidase 1 (789 bp), NADH dehydrogenase 1 (602 bp) and 12S rRNA (333–334 bp) in pig metacestodes from the Sumy region (farms close to Sumy, northeastern Ukraine) and the Kyiv region (a farm in Bila Tserkva, central Ukraine). Four isolates from four pigs in the Sumy region were identified as E. canadensis (G7 genotype), the major E. granulosus s.l. species circulating in Eastern Europe, including the three microvariants (G7A, G7B, G7C). Three isolates from the two pigs in the Kyiv region were classified as E. granulosus s.s. (G1 genotype), including one microvariant (G1A). To our knowledge, this is the first genetic record of E. granulosus s.s. with the presumed highest infectivity and virulence among the E. granulosus s.l. species in Ukraine. The finding has implications for public health as local control programmes should take into consideration different development rate of this parasite in dogs and the greater risk of the species for human infection.

A fronte di un consumatore sempre più esigente e informato, il mondo del vino, che in Italia rappresenta una realtà di grande rilievo, si trova nella necessità di sviluppare innovative strategie di comunicazione in grado di valorizzare tutti gli elementi che caratterizzano l’esperienza di consumo del prodotto vino. Di qui l’importanza per le imprese di ideare strategie innovative di marketing esperienziale, capaci di creare nuove forme di comunicazione e basate su modelli di consumo condivisi, in cui il brand riesce a incorporare un set di significati molteplici nei quali il consumatore si può rispecchiare. Obiettivo del presente lavoro è identificare i driver della comunicazione oggigiorno più influenti per descrivere e veicolare la qualità del vino (nelle sue diverse accezioni) e gli scenari verso i quali le imprese si stanno muovendo in un contesto competitivo sempre più complesso e spesso di non facile interpretazione. A tale scopo, verranno messi a confronto dieci casi aziendali significativi, selezionati consolidando le informazioni ricavate da uno studio di Mediobanca e Aida e identificando solo le realtà con fatturato annuo superiore a 20 milioni di euro, leader di redditività., Vol 12, No 1 (2021): ISSUE 1/2021

Adult specimens of Trichuris sp. collected from crested porcupines (Hystrix cristata) from Italy were characterized using an integrative taxonomic approach involving morphological and molecular tools. The morphological features of this Trichuris sp. were compared to data already available for Trichuris spp. from Hystrix sp., revealing diagnostic traits, such as spicule length in males or vulva shape in females, which distinguish this Trichuris sp. from the other species. Evidence from sequences analysis of the partial mitochondrial COX1 region indicated that the taxon under study is a distinct lineage. Biometrical and genetic data suggested this Trichuris sp. to be a valid and separated taxon. However, since molecular data from other Trichuris spp. infecting Hystrix, such as T. infundibulus, T. hystricis, T. javanica, T.landak and T. lenkorani, are missing in public repositories, the number and identity of distinct lineages able to infect porcupines remain only partially defined.

Covid-19 has imposed a rethinking of risk management systems in the healthcare sector. The aim of this paper is to investigate how the risk has been and is managed by the healthcare organizations, on the basis of regional directives. The analysis focuses on the health system of the Lombardy Region. In particular, the authors focused on the resolutions adopted by the Lombardy Region in the acute phase of the pandemic (2 March 2020-12 May 2020) with the aim of rebuilding the system put in place by the Region for risk prevention and management. Thanks to the resolutions, the Lombardy Region has established a risk management system, consisting of a surveillance system and an emergency management system that seems to have led to positive consequences.

Whipworms are parasitic intestinal nematodes infecting mammals, and traditionally humans and other primates that have so far been considered infected by Trichuris trichiura. Recent molecular studies report a more complex scenario suggesting the presence of a species complex with several Trichuris taxa specifically infecting only one primate species as well as taxa able to infect a range of primate species. The systematics of the group is important for taxonomic inference, to estimate the relative zoonotic potential, and for conservation purposes. In fact, captive animals living in zoological gardens are usually infected by persistent monoxenous intestinal parasites. Here, two Japanese macaques living in the Bioparco Zoological Garden of Rome were found infected by Trichuris sp. Nematodes were characterized at the molecular level using nuclear (btub and 18S) and mitochondrial (16S and cytb) markers and then compared to Trichuris collected previously in the same location, and to other Trichuris infecting primates. Evidences from mitochondrial and nuclear markers allowed for the identification of Trichuris sp. specific to Macaca fuscata. Results obtained here also described a uniform taxonomic unit of Trichuris, separated but closely related to Trichuris trichiura, thus, emphasizing its zoonotic potential for workers and visitors.

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonotic infectious disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii. This infection is estimated to affect about a third of the world's population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of Italian women about toxoplasmosis and its forms of transmission, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and prevention through two different modalities (e-research and traditional research). In a cross-sectional study, 808 Italian women were interviewed, using a self-administered questionnaire, through two different modalities: an e-research or web survey and a traditional paper research and 84% reported to have heard about toxoplasmosis, but from most of the sample, it resulted that the knowledge of the protozoan disease was superficial and incomplete. The assessment of the dimensionality related to the toxoplasmosis knowledge's instrument showed that the scale is composed by two stable and reliable factors which explain 58.6% of the variance: (a) the basic knowledge (α = 0.83), which explains the 45.2% of the variance and (b) the specialist knowledge (α = 0.71), which explains the 13.4% of the variance. The variance and the multiple linear regression data analysis showed significant predictors of correct basic knowledge of toxoplasmosis: the highest age, the highest degree of study, to have previously contracted illness or to know someone who had contracted it, to be working or to be housewives. In conclusion, this study showed limited awareness of toxoplasmosis and suggested the implementation of effective education and learning programs. The results also showed that online data collection, in academic research, might be a valid alternative to more traditional (paper-and-pencil) surveys.

Wildlife is frequently infected by intestinal protozoa, which may threaten their fitness and health. A diverse community of Eimeria species is known to occur in the digestive tract of mountain-dwelling ungulates, including chamois (genus Rupicapra). However, available data on Eimeria diversity in these taxa is at times inconsistent and mostly dated. In the present study, we aimed to revisit the occurrence of Eimeria spp. in the Alpine subspecies of the Northern chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra) and the Apennine subspecies of the Southern chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata) in Italy, using an integrated approach based on a hierarchical cluster analysis (HCPC) applied to oocyst morphology and morphometry. A total of 352 fecal samples were collected from R. r. rupicapra (n = 262) and R. p. ornata (n = 90). Overall, 85.3% (300/352) of the animals tested microscopically positive to Eimeria spp. Based on morphological analysis, we identified all the eimerian species described in chamois. Through the HCPC method, five clusters were generated, corresponding to E. suppereri, E. yakimoffmatschoulskyi, E. riedmuelleri (two different clusters), and E. rupicaprae morphotypes. The well-defined clusters within E. riedmuelleri support the existence of two distinct morphological groups, possibly referable to different taxonomic units. This study suggests that combining a morphometrical approach with a powerful statistical method may be helpful to disentangle uncertainties in the morphology of Eimeria oocysts and to address taxonomic studies of eimeriid protozoa at a specific host taxon level.

Whipworms are responsible for up to 500 million cases of trichuriasis worldwide, with higher endemicity in tropical and sub-tropical countries. In non-endemic countries, trichuriasis can be accidentally diagnosed upon colonoscopy, often in the presence of negative microscopy. Here, we describe an incidental diagnosis of trichuriasis in an HIV patient residing in a non-endemic area (i.e., Turin, Italy), six months after his return from Antigua. The species-level diagnosis was made thanks to PCR-based molecular identification of Trichuris sp. following optical microscopy detection. Overall, this case highlights the importance of improving parasitic diseases diagnosis through cutting-edge clinical and laboratory diagnostic tools alongside advanced training of specialists in the area of parasitology.

Il presente lavoro si pone l’obiettivo di analizzare l'orientamento di alcune delle più importanti aziende lombarde alla rendicontazione sociale relativamente agli obiettivi previsti dall’Agenda 2030, i 17 obiettivi globali: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (United Nations, 2015). In particolare la ricerca è volta a capire la rilevanza degli SDGs nell’ambito della comunicazione aziendale attraverso il sito delle aziende stesse. Anche se le aziende ritengono prioritaria l'attenzione agli obiettivi di sviluppo sostenibile sono poche quelle che indicano dati quantitativi, proprio per le difficoltà nel tradurre in pratica le buone intenzioni. Soprattutto le imprese intelligenti (smart) dovrebbero fare attenzione ad un loro sviluppo sostenibile. Nella ricerca sono state selezionate 19 imprese delle province di Milano, Lodi, Monza e Brianza, con almeno 500 dipendenti, quotate e classificate come enti di interesse pubblico (EIP) escludendo le imprese appartenenti all’attività bancaria, assicurativa o di riassicurazione che hanno presentato nell’anno 2017 la relazione non finanziaria obbligatoria ai sensi del decreto legislativo 254/2016. Come emerge dalla ricerca è di fondamentale importanza non solo inserire la sostenibilità fra le strategie aziendali, ma anche comunicare i dati relativi ai risultati rispetto agli SDG., Vol 11, No 1 (2020): ISSUE 1/2020

Purpose: Obiettivo del presente paper è evidenziare il ruolo degli Enti del terzo settore nel contesto dei Network di interesse pubblico. L’ente pubblico spesso, per svolgere le proprie attività, si affida a Enti appartenenti al terzo settore, con cui stipula accordi informali o che genera o controlla attraverso il finanziamento o costituzione con intervento statutario ad hoc. Si crea quindi una struttura di governance complessa che vede la partecipazione di diversi attori. Design/methodology/approach: La metodologia utilizzata consiste in una analisi della letteratura economico aziendale, volta ad identificare le caratteristiche dell’azienda pubblica e la crescente complessità del management pubblico. Tale complessità ha portato alla nascita della New Public Governance, che va oltre la sterile dicotomia di "amministrazione contro gestione" e che consente un più completo e integrato approccio allo studio e alla pratica dell’Amministrazione Pubblica. Findings: la New Public Governance, affrontando il tema delle relazioni tra le varie Amministrazioni Pubbliche e tra Amministrazione Pubblica e soggetti privati, favorisce forme di outsourcing e co-managing, portando allo sviluppo di una cooperazione inter-istituzionale, e alla conseguente creazione di Network di interesse pubblico. I Network di interesse pubblico, di cui fanno parte aziende pubbliche ed Enti del terzo settore, rappresentano il risultato di un percorso di cambiamento strutturale e organizzativo rivolto al perseguimento dell’interesse pubblico. Da questo nuovo sistema di relazioni emerge la necessità di sistemi di programmazione, controllo e coordinamento adeguati, diversi da quelli tradizionali. Originality/value: il paper affronta il tema della governance degli enti locali, utilizzando l’innovativo framework della New Public Governance, intesa come evoluzione del modello burocratico e del New Public management.

The aim of the paper is to analyse the relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and brand reputation in the luxury sector. In particular, the paper from one hand analyzes the drivers that lead to a growing integration of social responsibility in the competitive strategies of luxury firms and, on the other hand focuses on the role of CSR as a driver of brand reputation. Starting from review of the literature, the factors that influence the reputation in the brand-based global luxury industry are discussed, highlighting a gradual shift from reputation based on product quality to one focused on firm’s sustainability. The methodology also includes three case studies of Italian family firms representing best practices in CRS reputation according to 2015 version of Standard Ethics Italian Index: Brunello Cucinelli, Damiani and Luxottica. The study highlights the increasing role CSR practices are assuming in the luxury industry along with the needs for luxury firms to adopt strategic innovations and innovative business models coherent with the principles of sustainability. Furthermore, the analysis illustrates how different socially responsible behaviors have influenced the economic results of the three companies analyzed. The empirical evidences contribute to the CSR and reputation literature by focusing on Italian family firms operating in the luxury sector.

By adopting mainly the “principal-agent theory”, the study analyses how non-profit organizations (NPOs) corporate governance structure could increase the trust of the donors and therefore affect their ability to receive donations from taxpayers. Starting from a literature review we concentrated our attention on the non-profit sector where NGOs represent the largest category. In Italy, starting from 2006, all NPOs could receive funding deriving from taxes paid by citizens when making tax returns with the so called ‘5 per thousand’ of the personal income tax. We analyzed the corporate governance disclosure practices of the first Italian 100 NPOs that received the highest donations from 5 per thousand. In particular, we elaborated a CGI index that includes governance and informativeness. This paper shows how an efficient and transparent corporate governance structure motivates the donors to donate 5 per thousand to NPOs that demonstrate good corporate governance. The findings suggest that taxpayers are inclined to allocate 5 per thousand to organizations where the information level, from a governance point of view, is high, easily available and clear about the purpose in the specified field of research.

The paper aims at investigating the impact of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 on Italian &ldquo, public interest entities&rdquo, both in term of approaches to non-financial disclosure and on business strategies. The analysis focuses on the investigation of the relationships between the 17 SDGs and the set of non-financial information defined in bont the EU Directive 2014/95/EU and the related Italian L.D. n. 254 of 30 December 2016. SDGs has been significantly analysed in the literature, considering the effects on sustainability policies adopted by the States, but little attention has been paid to the policies adopted by companies. The awareness of companies towards the business implication connected to the achievemt of these goals translate into a new conscientious path, in compliance with sustainability standards. In this framework, the paper investigates the entire population of Italian companies subject to the publishing of non-financial information disclosure, with the exclusion of banks and insurance companies. For each company under investigation, two kinds of analysis are presented: (1) firstly, the company&rsquo, s level of sustainability derived from the company website, (2) the approach in pursuing the 17 SDGs. The overall results are quite comforting in term of companies&rsquo, sustainability aptitude. Over the years, Italian public interest entities have implemented active policies linked to the achievement of some specific goals, in compliance with the Italian legislation, although divergences still emerge among the Italian areas, as a result of cultural differences that still exist and affect companies&rsquo, approaches to sustainability issues. In this regard, the results of the analysis are interesting for government authorities to regulat the pursuit of sustainability goals.

The aim of the paper is to analyze how socially responsible behaviors can be considered as risk management tools. In particular, the underlying objective is to highlight the existence of a link between CSR and risk management within the healthcare sector of the Lombardy Region (Italy). The research is divided into two sections and the approach used combines both descriptive analysis and quantitative analysis methods: in the first part will be analyzed the concept of corporate social responsibility and risk management, describing the same concepts in the healthcare sector. In the second part, in order to highlight the CSR-risk management link, the paper analyses the web sites of the 8 health protection agencies of the Lombardy Region, created following the reform of the social and health system in Lombardy (Regional Law 23/2015). In our paper we demonstrate how a double bond (a double relationship) between CSR and RM exists. The first link classifies the CSR as an RM tool. At the same time, the RM can be considered a tool to demonstrate the social responsibility of the institution (or as a tool to prove that an institution is socially responsible).

Sarcoptic mange represents the most severe disease for wild Caprinae individuals and populations in Europe, raising concerns for both conservation and management of these ungulates. To date, this disease has been investigated in different wild caprine species and under many different perspectives including diagnostics, epidemiology, impact on the host populations, and genetics of both hosts and parasite, with the aim to disentangle the host-Sarcoptes scabiei relationship. Notwithstanding, uncertainty remains and basic questions still need an answer. Among these are the effect of immune responses on mange severity at an individual level, the main drivers in host-parasite interactions for different clinical outcomes, and the role of the immune response in determining the shift from epidemic to endemic cycle. A deeper approach to the pathology of this disease seems therefore advisable, all the more reason considering that immune response to S. scabiei in wild Caprinae, generally classified as a hypersensitivity, remains poorly understood. In this paper, we reviewed the pathological features associated to sarcoptic mange in wildlife, exploring different kinds of hypersensitivity and outcomes, with the objective of highlighting the major drivers in the different responses to this disease at an individual level and proposing some key topics for future research, with a particular attention to Alps-dwelling wild caprines.

Monoxenous parasites may easily infect animals in captivity, and nematodes belonging to the genus Trichuris are commonly reported in zoological gardens worldwide. Infections in captive animals should be accurately monitored and the characterization of pathogens is highly advisable, as a tool to infer possible routes of intra- and interspecific transmission pathways and to assess the related zoonotic potential. Whipworms are usually identified on the basis of few morphological features of adults males and eggs and by an host-affiliation criterion. Given the strong morphological convergence of adaptive traits and the possible occurrence of hybridization and/or cross-infections events, the use of molecular methods is of great utility. Here, we analysed two partial mitochondrial loci, the cytochrome c oxidase I and the cytochrome b regions, in Trichuris spp. infecting four animal species hosted in the Bioparco Zoological Garden of Rome. Results from molecular systematics, compared to previous data, suggested that the five Trichuris taxa recovered were well separated, showing a significant degree of host affiliation (herbivorous, primates/swine and rodents/canids). The screw horn antelopes and the camels were infected with two variants of Trichuris ovis; Trichuris sp. similar to those observed in rodents from South America was infecting the Patagonian maras. Moreover, Trichuris from the ring-tailed lemur showed a great similarity to Trichuris infecting the Japanese macaque previously analysed from the same zoological garden, and clustering together with Trichuris trichiura, posing a potential zoonotic threat for visitors and workers.

Wildlife is frequently infected by intestinal protozoa, which may threaten their fitness and health. A diverse community of Eimeria species is known to occur in the digestive tract of mountain-dwelling ungulates, including chamois (genus Rupicapra). However, available data on Eimeria diversity in these taxa is at times inconsistent and mostly dated. In the present study, we aimed to revisit the occurrence of Eimeria spp. in the Alpine subspecies of the Northern chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra) and the Apennine subspecies of the Southern chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata) in Italy, using an integrated approach based on a hierarchical cluster analysis (HCPC) applied to oocyst morphology and morphometry. A total of 352 fecal samples were collected from R. r. rupicapra (n = 262) and R. p. ornata (n = 90). Overall, 85.3% (300/352) of the animals tested microscopically positive to Eimeria spp. Based on morphological analysis, we identified all the eimerian species described in chamois. Through the HCPC method, five clusters were generated, corresponding to E. suppereri, E. yakimoffmatschoulskyi, E. riedmuelleri (two different clusters), and E. rupicaprae morphotypes. The well-defined clusters within E. riedmuelleri support the existence of two distinct morphological groups, possibly referable to different taxonomic units. This study suggests that combining a morphometrical approach with a powerful statistical method may be helpful to disentangle uncertainties in the morphology of Eimeria oocysts and to address taxonomic studies of eimeriid protozoa at a specific host taxon level.

The European distribution of Echinococcus multilocularis has been reported to be expanding east and north, whereas its southern limits are deemed stable. During a study on Echinococcus granulosus s.l. infections in wolves and dogs in the Italian Maritime Alps, we unexpectedly detected the presence of E. multilocularis eggs in four fecal samples from at least two shepherd dogs, and in five wolf fecal samples. This finding, in an area about 130 km south of the southernmost E. multilocularis report in the Alps, may suggest a rapid expansion southward. While infections in foxes are currently being investigated, these data seem to indicate the potential for a new E. multilocularis endemic area. If this will be confirmed, the implementation of surveillance programs in wild and domestic canids and preventative measures will become a priority., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • We detected Em infections in wolves and shepherd dogs 130 km south of the southern-most case reported so far in the European Union. • Em infections in wolves and dogs in this area may indicate a range expansion and the establishment of a new endemic area. • This area is along an ecological corridor connecting the Alps to the Apennines, with the potential for further expansion. • It is priority to implement surveillance on the local fox population, and inform practitioners of the increased risk.

The diversity, spread, and evolution of parasites in non-human primates (NHPs) is a relevant issue for human public health as well as for NHPs conservation. Although previous reviews have recorded information on parasites in NHPs (Platyrrhines) in the Americas, the increasing number of recent studies has made these inventories far from complete. Here, we summarize information about parasites recently reported in Platyrrhines, attempting to build on earlier reviews and identify information gaps. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), and following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Ninety-three studies were included after the screening process. Records for 20 genera of NHPs, including 90 species were found. Most of the studies were conducted on captive individuals (54.1%), and morphological approaches were the most used for parasite identification. The most commonly collected biological samples were blood and stool, and Protozoa was the most frequent parasite group found. There is still scarce (if any) information on the parasites associated to several Platyrrhine species, especially for free-ranging populations. The use of molecular identification methods can provide important contributions to the field of NHPs parasitology in the near future. Finally, the identification of parasites in NHPs populations will continue to provide relevant information in the context of pervasive habitat loss and fragmentation that should influence both human public health and wildlife conservation strategies.

Background The systematics and taxonomy of Ascaris lumbricoides and Ascaris suum, two of the world's most widespread nematodes, still represent a highly debated scientific issue. Two different transmission scenarios have been described according to endemicity: separated host-specific transmission cycles in endemic regions, and a single pool of infection shared by humans and pigs in non-endemic regions. The swine roundworm A. suum is now recognized as an important cause of human ascariasis also in endemic areas such as China, where cross-infections and hybridization have also been reported, as well as in non-endemic regions like Italy. This study aimed to investigate the molecular epidemiology of human and pig ascariasis in three countries representing different epidemiological scenarios: Italy as a non-endemic country, Colombia as an endemic country, and Slovakia as a non-endemic country, but with a poor socio-economic context linked to some focal populations of Roma settlements. Materials and methods A total of 237 nematodes were analysed: 46 from Colombia (13 from humans, 33 from pigs), 114 from Slovakia (20 from humans, 94 from pigs) and 77 from Italy (17 from humans and 60 from pigs). Genotyping by PCR-RFLP of nuclear (ITS) and sequencing of mitochondrial (cox1) target regions were performed. ITS genotypes were used to estimate the Hardy-Weinberg (HW) equilibrium according to hosts and country of origin. The partial cox1 sequences were used to analyse genetic polymorphisms according to hosts and country of origin, as well as to infer the network of haplotypes, their evolutionary relationships and geographical distribution. Results 110 quality cox1 sequences were obtained. Haplotype network revealed three main groups corresponding to clade A, B and C. Clade C included most of the human cases from Italy, while those from Slovakia and Colombia were grouped in clade B. Ascaris from Italian and Colombian pigs showed HW equilibrium at the ITS marker, while disequilibrium was found in A. lumbricoides from Slovak pigs, which suggest a high unexpected amount of roundworms of human origin circulating also in pigs. Conclusions This study updates and extends the current understanding of Ascaris species and genotypes circulating in different epidemiological scenarios, with particular attention to the inclusion of human-derived Ascaris in the phylogenetic cluster C. Despite the evidence of HW equilibrium in the ITS in pig-derived Italian samples, the amount of genetic variation seems to support the existence of two closely related species.

The issue of effectiveness in healthcare plays a role in international debates. The search for adequate tools allowing management to evaluate the correct allocation of resources becomes increasingly necessary. Cost-effectiveness analysis responds to this need, but the variety of tools and solutions proposed makes their application and replicability complex. The aim of this study was to create a starting approach model useful to researchers and professionals to cost-effectiveness problem solving. The study integrates two approaches by unifying the PRISMA-Compliant Systematic Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis. The results obtained from the analysis are manifold. Scientific production related to cost-effectiveness in healthcare has increased in the last ten years and is mainly concentrated in three sources. Researchers insert multiple keywords into the articles, but the main ones are cost effectiveness analysis, human, health care cost. The topics covered can be divided into two clusters, which can be further divided into several subgroups. PRISMA analysis reinforces and confirms what has been identified through bibliometric analysis: in cost-effectiveness analysis different methodological bases are applicable to specific individual topics; in particular, the most used approaches to evaluate cost-effectiveness are DES (discrete event simulation) and Mathematical-statistical analysis methodologies, whose applications need the highlighted data. The study also underlines the literature absence of some specific topics such as spillover from primary and secondary health prevention activities, organization of services, rehabilitation activities, centralization of services related to contracts and PPPs, evaluation of infra-hospital care pathways.

Larval ascaridoids in fish destined to human consumption represent an important public health issue, besides to be an economical problem. Indeed, marine ascaridoids are the etiological agents of the fish-borne zoonosis anisakidosis. Due to an increase of new cases reported worldwide, a continuous monitoring of infection in fish is mandatory. The study was aimed to evaluate the risk of infection by larval ascaridoids in fishes from Mediterranean Sea. Two species of fishes among those representing a major potential threat for human health were selected. Epidemiological and molecular study was carried out. At Milan Fish Market, Italy, 179 anchovies ( Engraulis encrasicolus ) and 84 chub mackerels ( Scomber colias ) caught in different fishing areas in the Mediterranean Sea were sampled and inspected for the presence of larvae. For each fish, larvae were counted and morphologically identified. Predictors of infections were investigated through general linear models. A subsample of 100 larvae was molecular characterized with PCR–RFLP targeting the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Moreover, 26 Hysterothylacium spp. larvae were analyzed by sequencing of both nuclear ITS and mitochondrial ribosomal rrn S regions. Overall, 1080 anisakids larvae were collected from 103 anchovies (P = 57.5%) and 53 chub mackerels (P = 63.09%). Larvae were morphologically identified as Anisakis Type I larvae (P = 6.14% in anchovies and P = 55.95% in chub mackerels) and as Hysterothylacium spp. (P = 54.18% in anchovies and P = 13.09% in chub mackerels). Fishing area and fish weight resulted predictors of both Anisakis Type I land Hysterothylacium spp. infections in anchovies; in chub mackerels, only fishing areas resulted to be associated to both infections. Molecular analysis on ITS region identified Anisakis pegreffii , heterozygote genotype between A. pegreffii and A. simplex sensu stricto, and Hysterothylacium aduncum . Sequences analysis on Hysterothylacium specimens revealed a great homogeneity in rrn S marker, with eight variable nucleotides and an average evolutionary divergence over all sequence of 0.3%.

The aim of the paper is to analyze the status of non-financial information disclosure in the European Union in order to evaluate the level of acceptance of social responsibility practices. The research is divided into two sections and the approach used is mainly theoretical and qualitative. In the first part the UE financial and non-financial information regulations are analyzed; the European Union launched a process of harmonization then subsequently it moved to the standardization process: the Regulation (EC) No. 1606/2002 is part of the standardization process (It must be applied in its entirety across the EU) while the Directive 2014/95/EU is part of the harmonization process (it sets out a goal that all EU countries must achieve). The Directive 2014/95/EU states that “large undertakings […] shall include in the management report a non-financial statement […]” thus making mandatory the preparation of non-financial statements. In the second part of the research, not considering the firm only as a system for the production of financial/economic value but also as an economic social actor which operates in a social environment to which it belongs and with which it interacts, the concept of social entrepreneurship is explained. Social entrepreneurship belongs to the entrepreneurs who draw up the social balance, required or permitted by the UE legislation. For this reason, the introduction of obligations in disclosing non-financial information could lead to the increase of entrepreneurship, with positive consequences in the creation of tangible benefits to both the business community and the global community.