The human coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic represents one of the greatest public health crises in recent history, which has caused unprecedented and massive disruptions of social and ...economic life globally, and the biggest communication challenges for public information-sharing. While there is strong evidence that bats are the animal source of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, there are many uncertainties around the epidemiology, the intermediate animal species, and potential animal routes of SARS-Cov-2 transmission to humans. While it has also long been known that coronaviruses circulate among different animal species, including SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, responsible for the pandemics of severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle East respiratory syndrome endemic in Middle Eastern countries in 2002–2003 and 2012 respectively, the way this pandemic is being managed tends to downplay or neglect the veterinary contribution, which is not in line with the One Health approach, if we consider that the genesis of the COVID-19 pandemic, likewise SARS and MERS lies on a close and interdependent links of humans, animals and the environment. To overcome this flaw, and to better operationalize the One Health approach, there are several lines of contributions the veterinary profession might provide to manage the COVID-19 pandemic in the framework of interventions jointly concerted in the veterinary and medical domains, notably: the experience in dealing with past animal epidemics, the skills in conducting wildlife surveillance targeting emerging pathogens at risky hot spots, and with the aim to predict and prevent future pandemics, the laboratory support for the diagnosis and molecular characterization of SARS-CoV-2 and human samples testing, and animal import risk assessment to define COVID-19 risk strategy for international air travel. The veterinary profession presents itself ontologically with a strong One Health accent and all the related valuable knowledge can be properly integrated within centralised multidisciplinary task-forces set up at the national and international level, with a renewed role in the management and monitoring structures required for managing the COVID-19 pandemic.
•Current understanding of the potential animal reservoir and animal route of transmission of Covid-19 infections to humans.•Public health relevance of the veterinary wildlife epidemiological surveillance to prevent and minimize emerging pandemic threats.•One Health veterinary contribution on control and surveillance of animal epidemics to the management of Covid-19 outbreaks.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Background and Objectives: Non-cancer chronic pain (CP) results from the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Twin studies help to estimate genetic and environmental contributions ...to complex traits such as CP. To date, twin studies on the heritability of pain phenotypes have relied almost exclusively on specific diagnoses, neglecting pain intensity. This study aims to estimate the genetic and environmental contributions to CP occurrence as a wide phenotype and its intensity among a non-clinical population. Materials and Methods: A nationwide online survey was conducted in February 2020 on 6000 adult twins enrolled in the Italian Twin Registry. A five-item questionnaire, designed and validated by our study group, was administered to detect the CP condition along with its intensity, underlying causes or triggers, treatments, and self-perceived efficacy. The twin study design was used to infer the relative weight of genes and environment on CP occurrence and intensity, and biometrical modelling was applied to these phenotypes. Results: A total of 3258 twins, aged ≥18, replied to the online survey (response rate 54%). These included 762 intact pairs (mean age: 39 years; age range: 18–82 years; 34% male; CP prevalence: 24%), of whom 750 pairs were subjected to biometrical modelling after the exclusion of pairs with either unknown zygosity or cancer-associated CP. Broad-sense heritability estimates were driven by non-additive genetic effects and were 0.36 (0.19–0.51) for CP occurrence and 0.31 (0.16–0.44) for CP intensity. No evidence emerged for either sex differences in genetic and environmental variance components or interactions of these components with age. Conclusions: Moderate non-additive genetic components were suggested for non-cancer CP occurrence and its intensity. These results encourage further research on the gene–gene interactions underlying CP liability and associated phenotypes, and also strengthen the need for prevention strategies to avoid CP occurrence or to decrease pain intensity.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) became in the last two decades a global threat to public health systems in the world. Since the antibiotic era, with the discovery of the first antibiotics that ...provided consistent health benefits to human medicine, the misuse and abuse of antimicrobials in veterinary and human medicine have accelerated the growing worldwide phenomenon of AMR. This article presents an extensive overview of the epidemiology of AMR, with a focus on the link between food producing-animals and humans and on the legal framework and policies currently implemented at the EU level and globally. The ways of responding to the AMR challenges foresee an array of measures that include: designing more effective preventive measures at farm level to reduce the use of antimicrobials; development of novel antimicrobials; strengthening of AMR surveillance system in animal and human populations; better knowledge of the ecology of resistant bacteria and resistant genes; increased awareness of stakeholders on the prudent use of antibiotics in animal productions and clinical arena; and the public health and environmental consequences of AMR. Based on the global nature of AMR and considering that bacterial resistance does not recognize barriers and can spread to people and the environment, the article ends with specific recommendations structured around a holistic approach and targeted to different stakeholders.
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BFBNIB, GIS, IJS, KISLJ, NUK, PNG, UL, UM, UPUK
Introduction. The purpose of this analysis was twofold: to track the number of open access journals acquiring impact factor, and to investigate the distribution of subject categories pertaining to ...these journals. As a case study, journals in which the researchers of the National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanita) in Italy have published were surveyed. Method. Data were collected by searching open access journals listed in the Directory of Open Access Journals ) then compared with those having an impact factor as tracked by the Journal Citation Reports for the years 2010-2012. Journal Citation Reports subject categories were matched with Medical Subject Headings to provide a larger content classification. Analysis. A survey was performed to determine the Directory journals matching the Journal Citation Reports list, and their inclusion in a given subject area. Results. In the years 2010-2012, an increase in the number of journals was observed for Journal Citation Reports (+ 4.93%) and for the Directory (+18.51%). The discipline showing the highest increment was medicine (315 occurrences, 26%). Conclusions. From 2010 to 2012, the number of open access journals with impact factor has gradually risen, with a prevalence for journals relating to medicine and biological science disciplines, suggesting that authors prefer to publish more than before in open access journals.
For almost a decade, edible insects have become promoted on a wider basis as one way to combat world hunger and malnourishment, although attempts to do so have a longer history. Contemporary ...researchers and consumers, particularly those without an entomophagous background, have been rising safety and sustainability concerns. The present contribution seeks a substantiated answer to the question posed above. The possible answer consists of different factors that have been taken into consideration. First, the species and its life cycle. It is mandatory to realize that what is labeled as “edible insects” stands for more than 2,140 animal species, not counting other edible, non-crustacean arthropods. Their life cycles are as diverse as the ecological niches these animals can fill and last between some days to several years and many of them may—or may not—be reproduced in the different farming systems. Second, the level of knowledge concerning the food use of a given species is important, be it traditional, newly created by research, or a combination of both. Third, the existence of a traditional method of making the use of the insect safe and sustainable, ideally from both the traditional and the modern points of view. Fourth, the degree of effectiveness of these measures despite globalization changes in the food-supplying network. Fifth, farming conditions, particularly housing, feeding (type, composition, and contaminants), animal health and animal welfare. Sixth, processing, transport, and storage conditions of both traditional and novel insect-based foodstuffs, and seventh, consumer awareness and acceptance of these products. These main variables create a complex web of possibilities, just as with other foodstuffs that are either harvested from the wild or farmed. In this way, food safety may be reached when proper hygiene protocols are observed (which usually include heating steps) and the animals do not contain chemical residues or environment contaminants. A varying degree of sustainability can be achieved if the aforementioned variables are heeded. Hence, the question if insects can be safe and sustainable can be answered with “jein,” a German portmanteau word joining “yes” (“ja”) and “no” (“nein”).
The Italian Twin Register has been in place for more than 10 years. Since its establishment, it has been focusing, on the one hand, on a continuous update of the existing information, and on the ...other hand, on new phenotypes and sample collection. Demographic data on about 140,000 twins have been updated using the municipality registries. The Italian Twin Register has been carrying out several new studies during the last few years. A birth cohort of twins, Multiple Births Cohort Study, has been started and the enrollment is ongoing. For this cohort, data on pregnancy and birth are collected, and periodical follow-ups are made. DNA is being collected for the twins and their parents. In the area of behavioral genetics, most efforts have been directed to psychological well being assessed with self-reported tools. Research on age-related traits continues with studies on arteriosclerosis development, early biomarkers in mild cognitive impairment, and the relation between lifestyle habits and mutagen sensitivity. The Italian Twin Register biobanking has grown in its size and in its know-how in terms of both technical issues and ethical procedures implementation. Furthermore, attitudes toward biobank-based research, together with willingness and motivation for donation, are being investigated. A valuable key resource for the Italian Twin Register is the possibility of linking twin data with disease registries. This approach has been yielding several important results, such as the recent study on the heritability of type 1 diabetes.
More than a decade ago, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) sparked a substantial modernisation effort in traditional meat safety systems in Europe by publishing a range of EFSA opinions that ...were followed, from 2014 to 2019, by amendments to relevant EU legislation. A novel, risk-based meat safety assurance system (RB-MSAS) was proposed to address the latest, most relevant meat-borne hazards and protect human health as well as animal health and welfare. This new framework was thought to offer substantial advantages with regard to the combination and longitudinal integration of prevention and control measures along the meat production chain. Official veterinarians (OVs) are expected to take on a central role as risk managers in RB-MSAS and will benefit from the use of harmonised epidemiological indicators (HEIs) and food chain information (FCI). In this article, we aim to provide an introduction to the key concepts of RB-MSAS and elaborate on the potential training needs of OVs as key risk managers in this novel framework. To this end, we present an overview of the components of an RB-MSAS along with the main factors that may hamper its development vis-à-vis the current status of the European meat inspection system. We state key future challenges related to the conceptual and practical implementation of a RB-MSAS and give potential solutions. In addition, the technical description of the HEIs proposed by EFSA for different animal species and at specific stages of the food chain is provided, as is their use to categorise farms and abattoirs according to the risk and to conduct risk-based meat inspection. Finally, advanced training tools for OVs enabling them to effectively and efficiently operate as risk managers in the future RB-MSAS environment are outlined.
•The conventional meat safety system in Europe is currently shifting to a more risk- and science-based approach.•An integrated risk-based meat safety assurance system (RB-MSAS) has been proposed for the most relevant meat-borne hazards.•Official veterinarians (OVs) play an essential role as risk managers in this novel framework.•Future challenges are related to advanced training tools for OVs.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Campylobacter is the most common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide and the most frequently reported foodborne pathogen in the European Union (EU). While campylobacteriosis is generally ...self‐limiting, some patients could develop severe sequelae. The predominant source of infection is poultry. This review addresses the most relevant factors influencing the prevalence and contamination level of Campylobacter spp. in the poultry chain continuum. The emphasis was put on the novel control strategy for Campylobacter that is based on evidence‐based risk assessment and the introduction of process hygiene criterion intended for monitoring the prevalence and counts of Campylobacter spp. on broiler carcasses at slaughter level. The reduction of Campylobacter spp. in the poultry meat chain in the EU can only be achieved with an integrated meat safety assurance approach. This includes primary interventions at the level of the poultry farm, implementation of effective control measures at slaughterhouses, and fostering awareness campaigns aimed at consumers.
Campylobacter is the most common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide and the most frequently reported foodborne pathogen in the European Union (EU). The predominant source of infection is poultry. The reduction of Campylobacter spp. in the poultry meat chain in the EU can only be achieved with an integrated meat safety assurance approach.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Aim: A global Train-the-Trainer Program, focused on improving the communication techniques of One Health advocates, is assessed and evaluated in this study. Methods: Between November 2020 and ...November 2022, a Train-the-Trainer Program engaged 1.583 trainees from 98 countries between the ages of 18 and 74. Trainees practiced public speaking by teaching a lesson about One Health in mostly underserved primary school classrooms. Two surveys of trainees (n = 222 and 203) assessed the impact of the Program’s orientation session on their confidence in science communication to a novice audience. The classroom teacher survey (n = 184 teachers, representing 4.109 students) measured the trainee’s impact at the community level during and following the lesson. Results: The Program significantly improved the trainee’s confidence in communicating science (0.1 scale points) and teaching novice audiences (0.3 scale points) about One Health. Trainees cultivated student interest in One Health median = 9 (7.3, 10) and 90.8% of responding classroom teachers reported a desire to continue teaching about One Health after the trainee’s lesson, 99.1% noted a post-lesson increase in student interest in science, and 97.4% recommended this lesson to their colleagues. Conclusion: This study was the first to evaluate an extensive One Health-focused communication program finding the model effective for trainees and communities alike. The trainees, through public speaking, active teaching and engaging mostly primary school students, mainstreamed One Health and inspired action in communities. The classroom teachers benefited by learning about One Health and gained a desire to share this new knowledge with others in their community.
Increasing evidence suggests that during the COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety and depression during the perinatal period increased. The aim of the study is to estimate the prevalence of risk for both ...maternal depression and anxiety among women attending 18 healthcare centres in Italy during the SARS-COV-2 pandemic and to investigate the psychosocial risks and protective factors associated. It was divided into a retrospective phase (2019, 2020, and the first nine months of 2021) and a prospective phase (which began in November 2021 and it is still ongoing), which screened 12,479 and 2349 women, respectively, for a total of 14,828 women in the perinatal period. To evaluate the risk of anxiety and depression, the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and an ad hoc form were used to collect sociodemographic variables. In the prospective study, the average age of the women is 31 (range 18-52) years. Results showed that the percentage of women who had EPDS score ≥9 increased from 11.6% in 2019 to 25.5% in the period ranging from November 2021 to April 2022. In logistic regression models, the variables associated with the risk of depression at a level ≤0.01 include having economic problems (OR 2.16) and not being able to rely on support from relatives or friends (OR 2.36). Having the professional status of the housewife is a lower risk (OR 0.52). Those associated with the risk of anxiety include being Italian (OR 2.97), having an education below secondary school level (OR 0.47), having some or many economic problems (OR 2.87), being unable to rely on support from relatives or friends (OR 2.48), and not having attended an antenatal course (OR 1.41). The data from this survey could be useful to determine the impact of the SARS-COV-2 pandemic on women and to establish a screening program with common and uniformly applied criteria which are consistent with national and international women's mental health programs.
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