Screening of Triticum turgidum genotypes for tolerance to drought stress.

Drought is one of the major abiotic stresses leading to reduced yields and economic losses. Effective germplasm screening for drought tolerance particularly under managed water-deficit conditions is an effective way of selecting materials for advanced breeding programs. Here, 37 Triticum turgidum genotypes, including landraces, ancient and modern genotypes, along with 2 tritordeum cultivars, were subjected to water-deficit stress through the application of 10% (w/v) PEG 6000 and to re-watering treatment in controlled environment, and at the end of each treatment, several physiological and morphological traits were investigated. Our results revealed large variation in shoot and root fresh weight, proline, chlorophyll, and MDA concentration, and also in root morphological traits across the 37 genotypes. The hierarchical clustering of the physiological and morphological traits led to the identification of tolerant and sensitive genotypes to water-deficit stress and also reveals those genotypes characterized by deep-rooting and shallow-rooting systems. By integrating both datasets, three outstanding genotypes, namely Karim, Svems 20, and Svems 18 were identified as the most tolerant genotypes with deep-rooting system. On the other hand, Iride and Bulel tritordeum, were introduced as the most sensitive genotypes with shallow-rooting system.

[Results of neonatal vaccination against hepatitis B in Frosinone]. / Risultati della vaccinazione neonatale antiepatite B a frosinone.

Neonates born to HBSAg-positive mothers are at increased risk of HBV, mainly because of perinatal exposure. Since 1985 the HBV Regional prevention and control program of Latium recommends prophylaxis both with HBIG and HBV vaccine at birth for all infants born to HBaAg-positive mothers. From 1-1-80 to 1-5-88 89 neonates (52 males, 37 female) from Local Health Units (U.S.L.) FR 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 have been examined at the Centre for Vaccination against HBV of Frosinone. Prophylaxis was accomplished both by HBIG 1 ml. I.M.) at birth and HBV vaccine (5.5 ml. I.M. of HBVAX) at birth, and at 1 and 6 months. All injections were given in the gluteal muscle. Antibody titer to HBsAg (antiHBs) detectable by RIA was tested 1 month after or by the time of the third injection of vaccine. Non-responders (anti HBs less than 10 mUI/ml) were given an extra dose of vaccine (0.5 ml I.M.). 85 neonates accomplished vaccination receiving three injections of HBVAX; 4 neonates received only one dose as their parents refused to continue vaccination. Two neonates (non-responders) out of 85 required another dose of vaccine, but only one seroconvertion appeared. No serious side effects have been seen: one case of anorexia and one case of low-grade fever, with no need to interrupt or modify immunization schedule. In the present study the prophylactic efficacy of HBV vaccine has been demonstrated providing 98.6% of cases with antiHBs titer greater than or equal to 10 mUI/ml, and 84% of cases with antiHBs titer greater than or equal to 150 mUI/ml.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Microbiological control of hospital infections]. / Controllo microbiologico delle infezioni ospedaliere.

In the recent years there is a growing interest in Nosocomial Infections in Italy, because of current studies providing useful information on hospital epidemiology, hospital cost and infection control measures. Besides there is an increasing awareness that clinical and epidemiologic data provide a more important support for infection control program than microbiologic data, which are not always required to identify Nosocomial Infections. Still a reliable microbiology laboratory is an integral support system for infection control program, contributing information on Nosocomial Infection Surveillance and Education of personnel. Over the past five years in the Hospital of Frosinone, prevalence and incidence studies on patient population and microbiologic monitoring were performed. All investigations were accomplished by the Hospital Infection Control Team by collecting and reporting data on special forms, since 1988 information on microbial cultures were included. The prevalence and incidence studies have demonstrated few microbial isolates compared to the number of infections identified. Antibiotic monitoring is considered an integral component of Infection Control Programs, contributing to the surveillance of emerging resistance. All data concerning microbial isolates have been routinely an orderly collected and tabulated. A three-monthly report is distributed throughout the hospital and pertinent data are briefly reviewed. This simple method of surveillance is used to identify trends in problem areas, support antibiotic policy statements and serve as a focus for educational programs of personnel. These routine studies have some limitation: 1) all microbial agents are considered, irrespective of nosocomial infection cases; 2) 100-120 hours of work from an infection control nurse are required. Therefore microbial data are not adequate in containing Nosocomial infections, if not supported by Infection Control Team's investigation.