1
|
Gea M, Spina F, Revello R, Fea E, Gilli G, Varese GC, Schilirò T. Estrogenic activity in wastewater treatment plants through in vitro effect-based assays: Insights into extraction phase. J Environ Manage 2024; 354:120412. [PMID: 38402785 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Effluents of wastewater treatment plants can abundantly spread endocrine disrupting chemicals in the environment. To improve water quality monitoring, the use of effect-based tools that measure estrogenic activity has been suggested, however their results could be influenced by different factors. This study compared the estrogenic activity of wastewater samples extracted with two stationary phases and tested with two in vitro effect-based assays to investigate whether and how stationary phases and assays could influence biomonitoring data. During four seasonal periods, the effluents of six WWTPs located in northern Italy were sampled. After the extraction using two different stationary phases (HLB, C18), the samples (n = 72) were tested using two effect-based assays: a gene reporter luciferase assay on mammalian cells (MELN) and yeast estrogen screen assay (YES). The results showed that estrogenic activity of HLB extracts was significantly different from the activity of C18 extracts, suggesting that extraction phase can influence biomonitoring data. Moreover, the estrogenic activity was overall higher using gene reporter MELN assay than using YES assay, suggesting that, due to difference in cell membrane permeability and metabolic activation, the applied cell model can affect the biomonitoring results. Finally, from the comparison between the activity of the final effluent and the environmentally safe estrogenic levels in surface waters, MELN data suggested that the activity of this effluent may pose an environmental risk, while YES data showed that it should not be considered a threat to the receiving surface waters. This study pointed out that a standardized approach is needed to assess the estrogenic activity of waters; it reported important data to select the most suitable stationary phase for samples extraction (samples extracted with C18 sorbent showed higher estradiol equivalent concentration values) and the most appropriate bioassay (gene reporter luciferase MELN assay was more sensitive than YES assay) to assess the environmental risk, thus protecting human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gea
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
| | - Federica Spina
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
| | - Roberta Revello
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Fea
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
| | | | - Tiziana Schilirò
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gea M, Fea E, Racca L, Gilli G, Gardois P, Schilirò T. Atmospheric endocrine disruptors: A systematic review on oestrogenic and androgenic activity of particulate matter. Chemosphere 2024; 349:140887. [PMID: 38070607 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The alarming human health effects induced by endocrine disruptors (ED) have raised the attention of public opinion and policy makers leading worldwide to regulations that are continuously improved to reduce exposure to them. However, decreasing the exposure levels is challenging because EDs are ubiquitous and exposure occurs through multiple routes. The main exposure route is considered ingestion, but, recently, the inhalation has been hypothesized as an important additional route. To explore this scenario, some authors applied bioassays to assess the endocrine activity of air. This review summarizes for the first time the applied methods and the obtained evidences about the in vitro endocrine activity of airborne particulate matter (PM) collected outdoor. Among the bioassay endpoints, (anti)oestrogenic and (anti)androgenic activities were selected because are the most studied endocrine activities. A total of 24 articles were ultimately included in this review. Despite evidences are still scarce, the results showed that PM can induce oestrogenic, antioestrogenic, androgenic and antiandrogenic effects, suggesting that PM has an endocrine disrupting potential that should be considered because it could represent a further source of exposure to EDs. Although it is difficult to estimate how much inhalation can contribute to the total burden of EDs, endocrine activity of PM may increase the human health risk. Finally, the results pointed out that the overall endocrine activity is difficult to predict from the concentrations of individual pollutants, so the assessment using bioassays could be a valuable additional tool to quantify the health risk posed by EDs in air.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gea
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, 10126, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Fea
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, 10126, Italy.
| | - Letizia Racca
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, 10126, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, 10126, Italy.
| | - Paolo Gardois
- Biblioteca Federata di Medicina Ferdinando Rossi, University of Torino, Torino, 10126, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Schilirò
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, 10126, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Salvatore L, Bensi M, Corallo S, Bergamo F, Pellegrini I, Rasola C, Borelli B, Tamburini E, Randon G, Galuppo S, Boccaccino A, Viola M, Auriemma A, Fea E, Barbara C, Corvari B, Bustreo S, Smiroldo V, Barbaro B, Tortora G. O-12 Phase II study of preoperative chemoradiotherapy plus avelumab in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer: The AVANA study. Ann Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2021.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
|
4
|
Merlano M, Paccagnella M, Garrone O, Falletta A, Fea E, Abbona A, Lo Nigro C, Gammaitoni L, Vanella P, Monteverde M, Granetto C, Occelli M, Denaro N, Merlotti A, Reali A, Sangiolo D. 1950P TRANSLATE: Activation of immune response in refractory patients to standard treatment. Ann Oncol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2020.08.1342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
|
5
|
Dell'Aquila E, Cremolini C, Zeppola T, Lonardi S, Bergamo F, Masi G, Stellato M, Marmorino F, Schirripa M, Urbano F, Ronzoni M, Tomasello G, Zaniboni A, Racca P, Buonadonna A, Allegrini G, Fea E, Di Donato S, Chiara S, Tonini G, Tomcikova D, Boni L, Falcone A, Santini D. Prognostic and predictive role of neutrophil/lymphocytes ratio in metastatic colorectal cancer: a retrospective analysis of the TRIBE study by GONO. Ann Oncol 2019; 29:924-930. [PMID: 29324972 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdy004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), defined as absolute neutrophils count divided by absolute lymphocytes count, has been reported as poor prognostic factor in several neoplastic diseases but only a few data are available about unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients (pts). The aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic and predictive role of NLR in the TRIBE trial. Patients and methods Pts enrolled in TRIBE trial were included. TRIBE is a multicentre phase III trial randomizing unresectable and previously untreated mCRC pts to receive FOLFOXIRI or FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab. A cut-off value of 3 was adopted to discriminate pts with low (NLR < 3) versus high (NLR ≥ 3) NLR, as primary analysis. As secondary analysis, NLR was treated as an ordinal variable with three levels based on terciles distribution. Results NLR at baseline was available for 413 patients. After multiple imputation at univariate analysis, patients with high NLR had significantly shorter progression-free survival (PFS) [hazard ratio (HR) 1.27 (95% CI 1.05-1.55), P = 0.017] and overall survival (OS) [HR 1.56 (95% CI 1.25-1.95), P < 0.001] than patients with low NLR. In the multivariable model, NLR retained a significant association with OS [HR 1.44 (95% CI 1.14-1.82), P = 0.014] but not with PFS [HR 1.18 (95% CI 0.95-1.46), P = 0.375]. No interaction effect between treatment arm and NLR was evident in terms of PFS (P for interaction = 0.536) or OS (P for interaction = 0.831). Patients with low [HR 0.84 (95% CI 0.64-1.08)] and high [HR 0.73 (95% CI 0.54-0.97)] NLR achieved similar PFS benefit from the triplet and consistent results were obtained in terms of OS [HR 0.83 (95% CI 0.62-1.12) for low NLR; HR 0.82 (95% CI 0.59-1.12) for high NLR]. Conclusion This study confirmed the prognostic role of NLR in mCRC pts treated with bevacizumab plus chemotherapy in the first line, showing the worse prognosis of pts with high NLR. The advantage of the triplet is independent of NLR at baseline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Dell'Aquila
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - C Cremolini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surge, Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Pisa, Italy.
| | - T Zeppola
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - S Lonardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Oncolog, Medical Oncology Unit 1, Istituto Oncologico Veneto Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Padova, Italy
| | - F Bergamo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Oncolog, Medical Oncology Unit 1, Istituto Oncologico Veneto Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Padova, Italy
| | - G Masi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surge, Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Stellato
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - F Marmorino
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surge, Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Schirripa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Oncolog, Medical Oncology Unit 1, Istituto Oncologico Veneto Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Padova, Italy
| | - F Urbano
- Department of Radiologica, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Umberto I Policlinico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - M Ronzoni
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - G Tomasello
- S. C. Oncologia, ASST Ospedale di Cremona, Cremona, Italy
| | - A Zaniboni
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione Poliambulanza, Brescia, Italy
| | - P Racca
- SSD ColoRectal Cancer Unit-A.O.U. Department of Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - A Buonadonna
- Division of Medical Oncology B, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano, Italy
| | - G Allegrini
- Department of Oncology, Ospedale F. Lotti, Pontedera, Italy
| | - E Fea
- Department of Medical Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera S Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - S Di Donato
- Department of Oncology, AUSL 4 Prato, Prato, Italy
| | - S Chiara
- Medical Oncology 2, Policlinico San Martino Hospital IRCCS per l'Oncologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - G Tonini
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - D Tomcikova
- Clinical Trials Coordinating Cente, Istituto Toscano Tumori, University Hospital Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - L Boni
- Clinical Trials Coordinating Cente, Istituto Toscano Tumori, University Hospital Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - A Falcone
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surge, Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Pisa, Italy
| | - D Santini
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dell’Aquila E, Rossini D, Stellato M, Bergamo F, Aprile G, Morano F, Intini R, Fea E, Ronzoni M, Libertini M, Buonadonna A, Fanchini L, Marcucci L, Maiello E, Marmorino F, Boccaccino A, Cordio S, Masi G, Falcone A, Santini D. Prognostic and predictive role of body mass index (BMI) in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): A pooled analisys of TRIBE and TRIBE-2 studies by GONO. Ann Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdz246.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
7
|
Ricci V, Falletta A, Granetto C, Paccagnella M, Abbona A, Fea E, Fabozzi T, Lo Nigro C, Merlano M. Correlation between values of specific biomarkers and outcome in metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with regorafenib. Ann Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdz155.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
8
|
Pignata C, D'Angelo D, Fea E, Gilli G. A review on microbiological decontamination of fresh produce with nonthermal plasma. J Appl Microbiol 2017; 122:1438-1455. [PMID: 28160353 DOI: 10.1111/jam.13412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Food safety is a critical public health issue for consumers and the food industry because microbiological contamination of food causes considerable social and economic burdens on health care. Most foodborne illness comes from animal production, but as of the mid-1990s in the United States and more recently in the European Union, the contribution of fresh produce to foodborne outbreaks has rapidly increased. Recent studies have suggested that sterilization with nonthermal plasma could be a viable alternative to the traditional methods for the decontamination of heat-sensitive materials or food because this technique proves capable of eliminating micro-organisms on surfaces without altering the substrate. In the last 10 years, researchers have used nonthermal plasma in a variety of food inoculated with many bacterial species. All of these experiments were conducted exclusively in a laboratory and, to our knowledge, this technique has not been used in an industrial setting. Thus, the purpose of this review is to understand whether this technology could be used at the industrial level. The latest researches using nonthermal plasma on fresh produce were analysed. These evaluations have focused on the log reduction of micro-organisms and the treatment time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Pignata
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - D D'Angelo
- Plasma Nano-Tech, Environment Park S.p.A., Torino, Italy
| | - E Fea
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - G Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fea E, Vanella P, Miraglio E, Cauchi C, Colantonio I, Denaro N, Di Costanzo G, Garrone O, Granetto C, Occelli M, Ricci V, Vandone A, Merlano M. Metronomic oral cyclophosphamide (CTX) in patients (pts) with heavily pretreated metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Ann Oncol 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdw334.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
|
10
|
Casagrande M, Cremolini C, Zucchelli G, Bergamo F, Ferrari L, Pietrantonio F, Lonardi S, Loupakis F, Masi G, Pella N, Intini R, Salvatore L, Tomasello G, Pagani F, Pellino A, Dell'Aquila E, Ginocchi L, Milione M, Fea E, Pellegrinelli A, Falcone A. FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab (bev) as upfront treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients (pts) with initially unresectable liver-limited disease (LLD). Ann Oncol 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdw335.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
|
11
|
Masi G, Salvatore L, Boni L, Loupakis F, Cremolini C, Fornaro L, Schirripa M, Cupini S, Barbara C, Safina V, Granetto C, Fea E, Antonuzzo L, Boni C, Allegrini G, Chiara S, Amoroso D, Bonetti A, Falcone A. Continuation or reintroduction of bevacizumab beyond progression to first-line therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer: final results of the randomized BEBYP trial. Ann Oncol 2015; 26:724-730. [PMID: 25600568 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdv012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The combination of bevacizumab with fluorouracil-based chemotherapy is a standard first-line treatment option in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). We studied the efficacy of continuing or reintroducing bevacizumab in combination with second-line chemotherapy after progression to bevacizumab-based first-line therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this phase III study, patients with mCRC treated with fluoropyrimidine-based first-line chemotherapy plus bevacizumab were randomized to receive in second-line mFOLFOX-6 or FOLFIRI (depending on first-line regimen) with or without bevacizumab. The primary end point was progression-free survival. To detect a hazard ratio (HR) for progression of 0.70 with an α and β error of 0.05 and 0.20, respectively, 262 patients were required. RESULTS In consideration of the results of the ML18147 trial, the study was prematurely stopped. Between April 2008 and May 2012, a total of 185 patients were randomized. Bevacizumab-free interval was longer than 3 months in 43% of patients in chemotherapy alone arm and in 50% of patients in the bevacizumab arm. At a median follow-up of 45.3 months, the median progression-free survival was 5.0 months in the chemotherapy group and 6.8 months in the bevacizumab group [adjusted HR = 0.70; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.52-0.95; stratified log-rank P = 0.010]. Subgroup analyses showed a consistent benefit in all subgroups analyzed and in particular in patients who had continued or reintroduced bevacizumab. An improved overall survival was also observed in the bevacizumab arm (adjusted HR = 0.77; 95% CI 0.56-1.06; stratified log-rank P = 0.043). Responses (RECIST 1.0) were similar in the chemotherapy and bevacizumab groups (17% and 21%; P = 0.573). Toxicity profile was consistent with previously reported data. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that the continuation or the reintroduction of bevacizumab with second-line chemotherapy beyond first progression improves the outcome and supports the use of this strategy in the treatment of mCRC. ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT00720512.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Masi
- Division of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Pisa.
| | - L Salvatore
- Division of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Pisa
| | - L Boni
- Clinical Trials Coordinating Center, AOU Careggi/Istituto Toscano Tumori, Firenze
| | - F Loupakis
- Division of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Pisa
| | - C Cremolini
- Division of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Pisa
| | - L Fornaro
- Division of Medical Oncology, Azienda USL 2 di Lucca, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Lucca
| | - M Schirripa
- Division of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Pisa
| | - S Cupini
- Division of Medical Oncology, Azienda USL 6 di Livorno, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Livorno
| | - C Barbara
- Division of Medical Oncology, Azienda USL 6 di Livorno, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Livorno
| | - V Safina
- Division of Medical Oncology, Azienda USL 6 di Livorno, Presidio Ospedaliero di Piombino, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Piombino
| | - C Granetto
- Division of Medical Oncology, Ospedale S. Croce e Carle, Cuneo
| | - E Fea
- Division of Medical Oncology, Ospedale S. Croce e Carle, Cuneo
| | - L Antonuzzo
- Division of Medical Oncology 1, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Firenze
| | - C Boni
- Division of Medical Oncology, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova-IRCCS, Reggio Emilia
| | - G Allegrini
- Division of Medical Oncology, Azienda USL 5 di Pisa, Ospedale Felice Lotti, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Pontedera
| | - S Chiara
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria San Martino-Istituto Nazionale Ricerca Cancro, Genova
| | - D Amoroso
- Division of Medical Oncology, Ospedale della Versilia, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Lido di Camaiore
| | - A Bonetti
- Division of Medical Oncology, AULSS 21 Legnago, Ospedale Mater Salutis, Legnago, Italy
| | - A Falcone
- Division of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Pisa
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bo S, Zoccali R, Ponzo V, Soldati L, De Carli L, Benso A, Fea E, Rainoldi A, Durazzo M, Fassino S, Abbate-Daga G. University courses, eating problems and muscle dysmorphia: are there any associations? J Transl Med 2014; 12:221. [PMID: 25095736 PMCID: PMC4256707 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-014-0221-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Orthorexia and muscle dysmorphia are disorders affecting above all young adults whose prevalence and social impact are still unclear. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of the traits of orthorexia and muscle dysmorphia among freshmen attending university courses focused on nutrition (Dietetics) and body care (Exercise and Sport Sciences). Students of Biology were considered as a control group. The prevalence of eating disorder (ED) traits were also evaluated. Methods All participants (n = 440; n = 53 Dietetics school, n = 200 Exercise and Sport Sciences school, n = 187 the Biology school) completed the following questionnaires: ORTO-15, Muscle-Dysmorphic-Disorder-Inventory, and Eating Attitudes Test-26. Results The prevalence of the traits of EDs, orthorexia, and muscle dysmorphia was 9.1%, 25.9%, and 5.9%, respectively. When compared to other students, those attending the Dietetics school showed a 2-fold higher risk of EDs and those from the Exercise and Sport Sciences school a 10-fold higher risk of muscle dysmorphia. The prevalence of orthorexia traits was high in all schools (35.9%, 22.5%, 26.5% in Dietetics, Biology, and Exercise and Sport Sciences schools, respectively). Overall, individuals with traits of any of these disorders were more frequently on diet or on supplement use. In a logistic regression model, attending the Dietetics school (OR = 2.71; 95% CI 1.14-6.48) was significantly associated with the ED traits, but not with the orthorexia traits (OR = 1.75; 95% CI 0.93-3.29), while attending the Exercise and Sport Sciences school was significantly associated with the muscle dysmorphia traits (OR = 5.15; 95% CI 1.44-18.4). Finally, when evaluating the relationships among the types of study programs as dependent variables and traits of these disturbances, the associations between the traits of ED (OR = 3.35; 95% CI 1.38-8.13) and matriculation at the school of Dietetics, and between the traits of muscle dysmorphia (OR = 4.32; 95% CI 1.16-16.1) and the choice of the Exercise and Sport Sciences school were confirmed. Conclusions The choice of the university courses might be influenced by pre-existing disorders in eating behaviors, which were relatively frequent in the considered sample.
Collapse
|
13
|
Masi G, Loupakis F, Salvatore L, Cremolini C, Fornaro L, Schirripa M, Fea E, Granetto C, Antonuzzo L, Giommoni E, Allegrini G, Cupini S, Boni C, Banzi M, Chiara S, Sonaglio C, Valsuani C, Bonetti A, Boni L, Falcone A. A Randomized Phase III Study Evaluating the Continuation of Bevacizumab (BV) Beyond Progression in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (MCRC) Patients (PTS) Who Received BV as Part of First-Line Treatment: Results of the Bebyp Trial by the Gruppo Oncologico Nord Ovest (GONO). Ann Oncol 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/s0923-7534(20)34318-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
|
14
|
Pignata C, Fea E, Rovere R, Degan R, Lorenzi E, de Ceglia M, Schilirò T, Gilli G. Chlorination in a wastewater treatment plant: acute toxicity effects of the effluent and of the recipient water body. Environ Monit Assess 2012; 184:2091-103. [PMID: 21638065 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-011-2102-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2010] [Accepted: 04/26/2011] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent on the toxicity of the recipient water body and the effectiveness of the disinfection treatment applied (sodium hypochloride) to assure the compliance of both microbiological and toxicological emission limits. No toxicity was found in the majority of samples collected from the recipient river, upstream and downstream of the WWTP, using three different toxicity tests (Vibrio fischeri, Daphnia magna, and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata). Only three samples presented toxic unit (TU) values with V. fischeri, and one presented TU with P. subcapitata. The influent toxicity ranged from slightly toxic to toxic (TU = 0.68-4.47) with V. fischeri, while only three samples presented TU values with the other tests. No toxicity was found in the absence of chlorination, while the mean toxicity was 3.42 ± 4.12 TU with chlorination in the effluent. Although no toxicity or very slight toxicity was found in the receiving water, its residual toxicity was higher than the US EPA Quality Standard in two samples. Escherichia coli concentration had a lower mean value in the chlorinated effluent: 13,993 ± 12,037 CFU/100 mL vs. 62,857 ± 80,526 CFU/100 mL for the not chlorinated effluent. This difference was shown to be significant (p < 0.05). E. coli in ten chlorinated samples was higher than the limit established by European and Italian Legislation. The mean highest trihalomethanes (THMs) value was found in the influent samples (2.79 ± 1.40 μg/L), while the mean highest disinfection by-products (DBPs) was found in the effluent samples (1.85 ± 2.25 μg/L). Significant correlations were found between toxicity, sodium hypochlorite, THMs, DBPs, E. coli, and residual chlorine. In conclusion, this study highlighted that the disinfection of wastewater effluents with sodium hypochlorite determines the increase of the toxicity, and sometimes is not enough to control the E. coli contamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Pignata
- Department of Public Health and Microbiology, University of Torino, Via Santena 5bis, 10126, Torino, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Numico G, Occelli M, Fea E, Granetto C, Di Costanzo G, Colantonio I, Gasco M, Garrone O, Polla V, Merlano M. Survival prediction and frequency of anticancer treatment (ACT) near the end of life in patients hospitalized due to acute conditions (AC). J Clin Oncol 2009. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2009.27.15_suppl.e20558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
e20558 Background: Recent literature suggests that ACT near the end of life is increasingly common. Although the reason is complex, we hypothesize that AC impair the formulation of prognosis. The PaP score was shown to predict 1-month survival for terminally ill pts. Its application to pts with AC is object of debate. We evaluated the frequency of ACT near the end of life and assessed the value of PaP score and of other clinical parameters in predicting survival in pts with AC. Methods: All pts admitted due to AC in a Department of Medical Oncology in a 9-month period were included. Pts and disease features (site of primary, stage of disease, disease control), previous and current ACT, cause of admission (diagnosis without a previous history of cancer; treatment-related toxicity; cancer- related symptoms) were assessed. The PaP score was calculated using physicians’ survival prediction, Performance Status (PS), anorexia and dyspnea, total WBC and lymphocyte percentage. Results: 208 pts were evaluated: local disease 24%, advanced 76%; ACT 60%, off-treatment 40%; disease controlled 9%, non controlled 91%; cause of admission: diagnosis 19%, toxicity 17%; symptoms 64%. PaP score: group A 78%, B 18%, C 4%. Overall, median survival was 19 weeks (95% I.C. 13,3 to 24,6) and 12-week survival was 59,6%. Of the pts admitted during ACT 11% died within 4 weeks and 32% within 12 weeks. Among the 39 pts died within 4 weeks, 33% were on ACT. Cause of admission, disease control, treatment, and PaP score predicted 12-week survival in the multivariate analysis. However, only PS < 30, and PaP group B and C identified pts with a 12-week survival lower than 30%. Conclusions: ACT in the last period of life is common. During AC only a minority of pts has such a dismal prognosis that treatment withdrawal is justified. The potential reversibility of AC renders prognostic measures inadequate to make treatment decisions. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G. Numico
- Ospedale Regionale della Valle d'Aosta, Aosta, Italy; Ospedale S.Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - M. Occelli
- Ospedale Regionale della Valle d'Aosta, Aosta, Italy; Ospedale S.Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - E. Fea
- Ospedale Regionale della Valle d'Aosta, Aosta, Italy; Ospedale S.Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - C. Granetto
- Ospedale Regionale della Valle d'Aosta, Aosta, Italy; Ospedale S.Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - G. Di Costanzo
- Ospedale Regionale della Valle d'Aosta, Aosta, Italy; Ospedale S.Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - I. Colantonio
- Ospedale Regionale della Valle d'Aosta, Aosta, Italy; Ospedale S.Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - M. Gasco
- Ospedale Regionale della Valle d'Aosta, Aosta, Italy; Ospedale S.Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - O. Garrone
- Ospedale Regionale della Valle d'Aosta, Aosta, Italy; Ospedale S.Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - V. Polla
- Ospedale Regionale della Valle d'Aosta, Aosta, Italy; Ospedale S.Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - M. Merlano
- Ospedale Regionale della Valle d'Aosta, Aosta, Italy; Ospedale S.Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Schilirò T, Pignata C, Rovere R, Fea E, Gilli G. The endocrine disrupting activity of surface waters and of wastewater treatment plant effluents in relation to chlorination. Chemosphere 2009; 75:335-340. [PMID: 19155045 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2008.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2008] [Revised: 12/11/2008] [Accepted: 12/14/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated the biological quantification of estrogenic activity in the effluent of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and in the recipient river in north-western Italy. Samples of the WWTP effluent and those of river water upstream and downstream the WWTP were taken from September 2006 to May 2007. The effluent was evaluated in the presence and absence of chlorination. The E-screen assay, with human estrogens receptor-positive MCF-7 BUS breast cancer cells, was performed on samples after solid-phase extraction to determine the total estrogenic activity by measuring the 17beta-estradiol equivalent quantity (EEQ). In order to study the correlation between estrogenicity and toxicity, untreated samples were also assayed with the acute toxicity test Microtox. Furthermore, to determine the efficiency of the chlorination process, all the samples were analysed for disinfection by-products (trihalomethanes) and Escherichia coli. The mean EEQs were 5.0 ng/L (+/-6.1 ng/L) upstream of the plant, 6.7 ng/L (+/-7.4 ng/L) downstream from the plant and 23.3 ng/L (+/-20.4 ng/L) in the WWTP effluent. The difference between upstream and downstream of the treatment plant was not significant. Chlorinated water samples had lower estrogenic activity and E. coli concentrations, but had greater toxicity and higher trihalomethane concentrations. Estrogenic activity was not correlated with toxicity. These results suggest that the WWTP effluent had little impact on the estrogenic activity of the recipient river.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Schilirò
- Department of Public Health and Microbiology, University of Torino, Via Santena 5bis, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Bicchi C, Schilirò T, Pignata C, Fea E, Cordero C, Canale F, Gilli G. Analysis of environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals using the E-screen method and stir bar sorptive extraction in wastewater treatment plant effluents. Sci Total Environ 2009; 407:1842-1851. [PMID: 19101021 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.11.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2008] [Revised: 11/12/2008] [Accepted: 11/16/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have become a major issue in the field of environmental science due to their ability to interfere with the endocrine system. Recent studies show that surface water is contaminated with EDCs, many released from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). This pilot study used biological (E-screen assay) and chemical (stir bar sorptive extraction-GC-MS) analyses to quantify estrogenic activity in effluent water samples from a municipal WWTP and in water samples of the recipient river, upstream and downstream of the plant. The E-screen assay was performed on samples after solid phase extraction (SPE) to determine total estrogenic activity; the presence of estrogenic substances can be evaluated by measuring the 17-beta-estradiol equivalency quantity (EEQ). Untreated samples were also assayed with an acute toxicity test (Vibrio fischeri) to study the correlation between toxicity and estrogenic disruption activity. Mean EEQs were 4.7 ng/L (+/-2.7 ng/L) upstream and 4.4 ng/L (+/-3.7 ng/L) downstream of the plant, and 11.1 ng/L (+/-11.7 ng/L) in the effluent. In general the WWTP effluent had little impact on estrogenicity nor on the concentration of EDCs in the river water. The samples upstream and downstream of the plant were non-toxic or weakly toxic (0<TU<0.9) while the effluent was weakly toxic or toxic (0.4<TU<7.6). Toxicity and estrogenic activity were not correlated. At most sites, industrial mimics, such as the alkylphenols and phthalates, were present in higher concentrations than natural hormones. Although the concentrations of the detected xenoestrogens were generally higher than those of the steroids, they accounted for only a small fraction of the EEQ because of their low estrogenic potency. The EEQs resulting from the E-screen assay and those calculated from the results of chemical analyses using estradiol equivalency factors were comparable for all samples and closely correlated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Bicchi
- Department of Scienza e Tecnologia del Farmaco, University of Torino, Italy, via P. Giuria 9, 10125, Torino, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Numico G, Anfossi M, Bertelli G, Russi E, Cento G, Silvestris N, Granetto C, Di Costanzo G, Occelli M, Fea E, Garrone O, Gasco M, Colantonio I, Merlano M. The process of truth disclosure: an assessment of the results of information during the diagnostic phase in patients with cancer. Ann Oncol 2009; 20:941-5. [PMID: 19150944 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdn709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surveys carried out in Mediterranean countries demonstrated very low rates of awareness of both diagnosis and prognosis among cancer patients. In our institution, a long-term training program aimed at improving communication skills among all physicians interacting with cancer patients was conducted. We report here the results of an extensive assessment of patients' awareness conducted after the first training period. PATIENTS AND METHODS In a 2-year period, after every first visit of patients with a histological diagnosis of cancer, oncologists elicited perception of the patients and completed a structured questionnaire focusing on the understanding of the diagnosis and prognosis. Our data are thus a photograph of the results of the informative process conducted during the diagnostic phase. RESULTS Among the enrolled 649 patients, 79.3% were aware of their diagnosis; factors significantly associated with higher levels of awareness were age younger than 70 and referral from surgery (versus internal medicine). Knowledge about the palliative or curative aims of future treatments (a surrogate sign of prognostic consciousness) was evident in 55.2%. CONCLUSIONS Compared with historical data, our results show a high level of comprehension of the diagnosis of malignancy, probably due to the extensive training effort together with the method chosen for assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Numico
- Medical Oncology Unit, Regional Hospital of the Aosta Valley, Aosta, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Falcone A, Masi G, Loupakis F, Vasile E, Ciarlo A, Cavaciocchi D, Amoroso D, Puglisi M, Fea E, Brunetti I. FOLFOXIRI (irinotecan, oxaliplatin, and infusional 5FU/LV) in combination with bevacizumab (BV) in the first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): A phase II study by the G.O.N.O. group. J Clin Oncol 2008. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2008.26.15_suppl.4031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
|
20
|
Loupakis F, Masi G, Bursi S, Picone V, Mentuccia L, Granetto C, Fea E, Murr R, Antonuzzo A, Falcone A. Phase II study of sequential chemotherapy with cisplatin (P) in combination with infusional 5FU/LV (PFL) followed by irinotecan (Ir) + 5FU/LV (IrFL) followed by docetaxel (T) + 5FU/LV (TFL) in patients (pts) with metastatic gastric carcinoma (MGC) by the Gruppo Oncologio Nord-Ovest (GONO). J Clin Oncol 2007. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2007.25.18_suppl.15059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
15059 Background: 5FU in combination with P can be considered a standard treatment for MGC. Ir and T are active agents with not complete cross-resistance with P and 5FU. The combination of Ir or T with P and 5FU is feasible but with substantial toxicities. A different way to include Ir and T in the first-line treatment of MGC is to use them sequentially to a P and 5FU containing regimen. Methods: we conducted a phase II study of first-line sequential chemotherapy in MGC pts with measurable disease (RECIST criteria). Treatment consisted of: 3 cycles of PFL (biweekly P 50 mg/sqm d1, LV 200 mg/sqm d1 and 5FU 3200 mg/sqm 48-h c.i. starting on d1) followed by 3 cycles of IrFL (biweekly Ir 180 mg/sqm d1 and 5FU/LV) followed by 3 cycles of TFL (biweekly T 50 mg/sqm d1 and 5FU/LV). Evaluation of disease was performed every 3 cycles. Results: 46 pts have been enrolled. Pts characteristics are: median age = 60 years (37–75), M/F = 36/10, sites of disease (single/multiple) 9/37, ECOG PS 0/1 = 27/19. Treatment was well tolerated. Grade 3–4 non-haematological toxicities were: diarrhea in 2,5% pts with PFL; diarrhea and asthenia in 2,5% and stomatitis in 5% pts with IrFL; stomatitis in 5,7% pts with TFL. Grade 3/4 neutropenia was observed in 14% pts with PFL, 15% with IrFL and 22,9% pts with TFL. Nor febrile neutropenia neither toxic deaths have occurred. Two pts had not evaluable disease and 6 are still receiving treatment. We observed 1 CR and 8 PR with PFL (RR 24%) among the 38 evaluable pts. IrFL improved responses in 10 pts while 4 pts progressed and TFL further improved responses in 6 pts while 5 pts progressed. Response rate at the end of the planned 9 cycles was 40% (4 CR, 11 PR; 95% CI 25–58%). At a median follow-up of 15.5 mos median TTP is 6.8 mos and median OS is 13.5 mos. Conclusions: this sequential treatment is feasible with a very favourable safety profile and produces encouraging results in terms of activity and efficacy in a population of unselected MGC patients. Final data will be presented at the meeting. Partially supported by A.R.C.O. Foundation. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F. Loupakis
- Azienda USL 6, Livorno, Italy; Università La Sapienza, Roma, Italy; Ospedale S. Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy; Ospedale S. Chiara, Pisa, Italy; Azienda USL 6, Piombino, Italy; Università degli Studi, Pisa, Italy
| | - G. Masi
- Azienda USL 6, Livorno, Italy; Università La Sapienza, Roma, Italy; Ospedale S. Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy; Ospedale S. Chiara, Pisa, Italy; Azienda USL 6, Piombino, Italy; Università degli Studi, Pisa, Italy
| | - S. Bursi
- Azienda USL 6, Livorno, Italy; Università La Sapienza, Roma, Italy; Ospedale S. Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy; Ospedale S. Chiara, Pisa, Italy; Azienda USL 6, Piombino, Italy; Università degli Studi, Pisa, Italy
| | - V. Picone
- Azienda USL 6, Livorno, Italy; Università La Sapienza, Roma, Italy; Ospedale S. Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy; Ospedale S. Chiara, Pisa, Italy; Azienda USL 6, Piombino, Italy; Università degli Studi, Pisa, Italy
| | - L. Mentuccia
- Azienda USL 6, Livorno, Italy; Università La Sapienza, Roma, Italy; Ospedale S. Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy; Ospedale S. Chiara, Pisa, Italy; Azienda USL 6, Piombino, Italy; Università degli Studi, Pisa, Italy
| | - C. Granetto
- Azienda USL 6, Livorno, Italy; Università La Sapienza, Roma, Italy; Ospedale S. Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy; Ospedale S. Chiara, Pisa, Italy; Azienda USL 6, Piombino, Italy; Università degli Studi, Pisa, Italy
| | - E. Fea
- Azienda USL 6, Livorno, Italy; Università La Sapienza, Roma, Italy; Ospedale S. Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy; Ospedale S. Chiara, Pisa, Italy; Azienda USL 6, Piombino, Italy; Università degli Studi, Pisa, Italy
| | - R. Murr
- Azienda USL 6, Livorno, Italy; Università La Sapienza, Roma, Italy; Ospedale S. Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy; Ospedale S. Chiara, Pisa, Italy; Azienda USL 6, Piombino, Italy; Università degli Studi, Pisa, Italy
| | - A. Antonuzzo
- Azienda USL 6, Livorno, Italy; Università La Sapienza, Roma, Italy; Ospedale S. Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy; Ospedale S. Chiara, Pisa, Italy; Azienda USL 6, Piombino, Italy; Università degli Studi, Pisa, Italy
| | - A. Falcone
- Azienda USL 6, Livorno, Italy; Università La Sapienza, Roma, Italy; Ospedale S. Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy; Ospedale S. Chiara, Pisa, Italy; Azienda USL 6, Piombino, Italy; Università degli Studi, Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Numico G, Colantonio I, Heouaine A, Occelli M, Fea E, Russi EG, Vigna Taglianti R, Lanzillotta L, Merlano MC. Compassionate treatment (CTr) with re-irradiation, carboplatin (Cb) and Cetuximab (C) in very advanced head and neck cancer (HNC). J Clin Oncol 2006. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2006.24.18_suppl.13153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
13153 Background: Extremely locally advanced HNC is a dramatic clinical situation, causing pain, repeated infections, speech and swallowing impairmen, malnutrition and cosmetic disasters. Re-irradiation may partially palliate some pt, but the low dose of radiation that can safely be delivered limits this approach. Recently the combination of C and radiation has shown improvement of clinical outcome over radiation alone. Methods: We started a CTr with re-irradiation concurrent with Cb and C in pts with heavily symptomatic, pretreated HNC. CTr consisted of: RT (30 Gy) 2 Gy/d, 5 d/week given every other week; Cb AUC 6 d 1, 22 and 43; C, 400 mg/m2 loading dose and 250 mg/m2 maintenance, weekly until day 43 (6 administrations). Results: From January 04 to June 05, 8 pts pre-treated with surgery (6 pts), radiation (8) and chemotherapy (6) entered the CTr. All pts but one had bulky soft tissue invasion and 2 had skin ulceration. One had only bulky nodal relapse. One pt died after the 2nd week due to pneumonia. The other pts had a fast response to CTr: within 5–7 d from the start of therapy they reached a clinical benefit (major or complete pain relief, improvement of swallowing and/or neck movements) and subsequently a rapid tumor shrinkment. All pts achieved an objective response (complete response in 2). No significant local or systemic toxicity occurred in any of the pts, but a mild skin rush. The first 4 pts did not receive further treatment after CTr. These pts showed tumor re-growth within 4–6 weeks from the end of treatment. However one of them underwent salvage surgery and is alive and disease free 14 months after CTr. The 3 other pts received maintenance treatment with weekly C until disease progression. One of them died due to cancer unrelated causes without PD 11 weeks after RT. The 2nd pt developed PD during RT. The 3rd pt is progression-free and alive at 30 weeks from the end of RT. Overall, TTP of the 7 pts ranges between 2 and 7+ months (median 3); survival from the end of RT ranges between 3 and 14+ months (median 7+). Conclusions: CTr with re-irradiation, Cb and C seems feasible even in this poor prognosis, very advanced HNC. No additional toxicity was recorded by adding C. Palliation was achieved in almost all pts and the results deserve further investigations. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G. Numico
- S.Croce General Hospital, Cuneo, Italy
| | | | | | | | - E. Fea
- S.Croce General Hospital, Cuneo, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Gilli G, Schilirò T, Pignata C, Traversi D, Carraro E, Baiocchi C, Aigotti R, Giacosa D, Fea E. Application of semipermeable membrane device for assessing toxicity in drinking water. Chemosphere 2005; 61:1691-9. [PMID: 15893797 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2005.03.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2004] [Revised: 03/14/2005] [Accepted: 03/23/2005] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) mimic passive diffusive transport of bioavailable hydrophobic organic compounds through biological membranes and their partitioning between lipids and environmental levels. Our study was developed on a surface water treatment plant based in Turin, Northern Italy. The investigated plant treats Po River surface water and it supplies about 20% of the drinking water required by Turin city (about one million inhabitants). Surface water (input) and drinking water (output) were monitored with SPMDs from October 2001 to January 2004, over a period of 30 days. The contaminant residues, monthly extracted from SPMDs by dialysis in organic solvent, were tested with the Microtox acute toxic test and with the Ames mutagenicity test. Same extracts were also analyzed with gas chromatography--mass spectrometry technique in order to characterise the organic pollutants sampled, especially Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). Although the PAHs mean concentration is about one hundred times lower in the output samples, the mean toxic units are similar in drinking and surface water. Our data indicate that the SPMD is a suitable tool to assess the possible toxicity in drinking water.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Microbiology, University of Turin, Via Santena, 5bis, 10126 Turin, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Merlano MC, Fea E, Granetto C, Occelli M, Garrone O, Grosso M. Locoregional chemotherapy with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) in patients with hepatic malignancies. J Clin Oncol 2005. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2005.23.16_suppl.4252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - E. Fea
- St Croce Gen Hosp, Cuneo, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Garrone O, Gasco M, Smith P, Syed N, Occelli M, Numico G, Comino A, Fea E, Farrell P, Crook T. Methylation-dependent transcriptional silencing of Dab2 is a common early event in human tumorigenesis and predicts metastasis. J Clin Oncol 2005. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2005.23.16_suppl.9536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- O. Garrone
- S. Croce Gen. Hosp, Cuneo, Italy; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - M. Gasco
- S. Croce Gen. Hosp, Cuneo, Italy; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - P. Smith
- S. Croce Gen. Hosp, Cuneo, Italy; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - N. Syed
- S. Croce Gen. Hosp, Cuneo, Italy; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - M. Occelli
- S. Croce Gen. Hosp, Cuneo, Italy; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - G. Numico
- S. Croce Gen. Hosp, Cuneo, Italy; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - A. Comino
- S. Croce Gen. Hosp, Cuneo, Italy; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - E. Fea
- S. Croce Gen. Hosp, Cuneo, Italy; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - P. Farrell
- S. Croce Gen. Hosp, Cuneo, Italy; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - T. Crook
- S. Croce Gen. Hosp, Cuneo, Italy; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Schiliró T, Pignata C, Fea E, Gilli G. Toxicity and estrogenic activity of a wastewater treatment plant in Northern Italy. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 2004; 47:456-462. [PMID: 15499495 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-003-0153-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Many xenobiotics, widely diffused in the environment, have the potential to disrupt the delicate endocrine system balance of wildlife and humans. Substances showing hormone-like actions in living organisms are defined endocrine-disruptor chemicals and they may mimic, block, or interfere with the synthesis, release, transport, elimination, and binding of natural hormones. Different ecotoxicologic studies were applied to screen for the discharge of estrogenic and toxic substances into the aquatic environment from a small industrial wastewater treatment plant based in Northern Italy. Samples of wastewater (3 L) were taken at three different periods during the year from different points of the plant's process: three phases of treatment, and effluent. Untreated samples (1 L) were assayed with two toxicity tests: Microtox and Daphnia magna. A simplified proliferation test using human estrogen receptor-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells (E-screen assay) was performed on 2-L samples after solid-phase extraction for the determination of total estrogenic activity; the presence of estrogenic substances was evaluated by measuring the proliferation rate in cells exposed to samples. The results of the Microtox assay employing the marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri were compared with data obtained from whole-effluent toxicity testing methods employing D. magna. Toxicity was found only for the influent point. The proliferative effect of the five points, relative to the positive control 17beta-estradiol (relative proliferation effect), was between 2.4% and 39%, and the 17beta-estradiol equivalent concentrations were between 0.06 and 3.94 ng/L. A first comparison between results from toxicity load and estrogenic activity was performed. At all process points, the effluent samples were considered acceptable (taking only toxicity into account), but we demonstrated that they had estrogenic activity in the river water indicating an input of estrogenic substances by way of the treatment plant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Schiliró
- Department of Public Health and Microbiology, University of Turin, Via Santena 5 Bis, 10126, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Marinone C, Martinetti A, Mestriner M, Seregni E, Geuna M, Ferrari L, Strola G, Bonardi L, Fea E, Bombardieri E. p53 evaluation in gastric mucosa of patients with chronic Helicobacter pylori infection. Anticancer Res 2001; 21:1115-8. [PMID: 11396149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer is often associated with p53 over-expression and Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection. In this study we have investigated the production of the p53 protein and mutation of its gene in precancerous gastric lesions with HP infection. For this purpose 130 patients who underwent endoscopy for dyspepsia were enrolled in the study. To assess p53 production and mutation of the p53 gene we employed an immunoluminometric assay and polymerase chain reaction single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analysis, respectively. Histologically, 52 of the 130 enrolled patients showed intestinal metaplasia type I (IM) (90.4% of these were also HP positive), 47 had HP-related gastritis and 31 were normal. p53 cytosol levels were significantly higher in patients with IM or HP-related gastritis than in normal patients (p = 0.0137 and p = 0.0411, respectively). All DNAs extracted from gastric mucosa samples with higher p53 values and examined for p53 mutations by PCR-SSCP analysis were characterized by a normal run. Our data indicate, that irreversible genetic changes in the p53 protein has not yet occurred in morphologically non-neoplastic gastric mucosa with IM and HP-related chronic gastritis. In conclusion, the increase in p53 cytosolic levels found in our study is due to an increased production of the wild-type protein probably related to an inflammatory response induced by HP infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Marinone
- Division of Internal Medicine Ospedale San Vito, Torino, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Fea E, Mestriner M, Marinone C. [Common variable hypogammaglobulinemia associated with intestinal lymphoid hyperplasia]. MINERVA GASTROENTERO 2001; 47:39-43. [PMID: 16491067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
A case of adult common variable hypogammaglobulinemia with nodular lymphoid hyperplasia characterized by malabsorption and enteric protein loss, probably due to bacterial overgrowth, is reported. This clinical condition is of particular interest because of the unusual pathology and the lack of an efficient treatment. The association between common variable hypogammaglobulinaemia and nodular lymphoid hyperplasia must be considered in young adults with recurrent respiratory tract infection, gastrointestinal symptoms, diarrhoea, hypogammaglobulinemia and low serum albumin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Fea
- UOA Medicina 7--Ospedale San Vito--Torino, Dipartimento Medicina San Vito
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
Although cryptosporidiosis outbreaks have been frequently reported in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, few outbreaks have been reported on the European continent. The reasons for this are unclear. To ascertain whether a European population has been previously exposed to Cryptosporidium, we conducted a survey of 100 resident blood donors in a northern Italian city for IgG serological response to two oocyst antigen groups. A serological response to the 15/17-kDa antigen group was detected in 83% of blood donors and response to the 27-kDa antigen group in 62%. Donors who traveled outside of Italy during the prior 12 months were less likely to have had a response to the 15/17-kDa antigen group (p < 0.04) and to have a less intense response (p < 0.05). Older age was predictive of a more intense response to each antigen group (p < 0.01). The fraction of Italian blood donors with a serological response to either antigen group was higher than in four United States blood donor populations, with differences more pronounced for response to the 15/17-kDa antigen group (p < 0.01). A lower fraction of Italian donors had a serological response to either antigen group than persons tested at the time of a cryptosporidiosis outbreak in the United States or blood donors tested six months after that outbreak (p < 0.05). Since the presence of serological responses to these antigen groups predicts a reduced risk of cryptosporidiosis, the high prevalence of serological responses in these Italian blood donors may explain the infrequent occurrences of clinically detectable cryptosporidiosis in this city.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F J Frost
- The Lovelace Clinic Foundation, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87108, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Carraro E, Locatelli AL, Ferrero C, Fea E, Gilli G. Biological activity of particle exhaust emissions from light-duty diesel engines. J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol 1997; 16:101-9. [PMID: 9275990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Whole diesel exhaust has been classified recently as a probable carcinogen, and several genotoxicity studies have found particulate exhaust to be clearly mutagenic. Moreover, genotoxicity of diesel particulate is greatly influenced by fuel nature and type of combustion. In order to obtain an effective environmental pollution control, combustion processes using alternative fuels are being analyzed presently. The goal of this study is to determine whether the installation of exhaust after treatment-devices on two light-duty, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve-equipped diesel engines (1930 cc and 2500 cc) can reduce the mutagenicity associated with particles collected during U.S.A. and European driving cycles. Another interesting object was to compare the ability of alternative biodiesel and conventional diesel fuels to reduce the mutagenic activity associated with collected particles from two light duty diesel engines (both 1930 cc) during the European driving cycle. SOF mutagenicity was assayed using the Salmonella/microsome test (TA 98 and TA 100 strains, +/- S9 fraction). In the first part of our study, the highest mutagenicity was revealed by TA98 strain without enzymatic activation, suggesting a direct-acting mutagenicity prevalence in diesel particulate. The 2500 cc engine revealed twofold mutagenic activity compared with the 1930 cc engine (both EGR valve equipped), whereas an opposite result was found in particulate matter amount. The use of a noncatalytic ceramic trap produced a decrease of particle mutagenic activity in the 2500 cc car, whereas an enhancement in the 1930 cc engine was found. The catalytic converter and the electrostatic filter installed on the 2500 cc engine yielded a light particle amount and an SOF mutagenicity decrease. A greater engine stress was obtained using European driving cycles, which caused the strongest mutagenicity/km compared with the U.S.A. cycles. In the second part of the investigation, even though a small number of assays were available, exhaust emission generation by biodiesel fuel seemed to yield a smaller environmental impact than that of the referenced diesel fuel. The results point out the usefulness of mutagenicity testing in the research of both newer, more efficient automotive aftertreatment devices and less polluting fuels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Carraro
- Department of Hygiene and Community Medicine, University of Turin, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Carraro E, Locatelli A, Ferrero C, Fea E, Gilli G. Biological activity of exhaust emissions from two after‐treatment device‐equipped light‐duty diesel engines. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1995. [DOI: 10.1080/10934529509376281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
31
|
Gilli G, Scursatone E, Bono R, Fea E, Carraro E, Petitti G. [Presence of aflatoxin in products intended for human consumption: the choice of methods and the results obtained]. Ann Ig 1989; 1:223-35. [PMID: 2483069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The contamination of food resources by aflatoxin is a major problem for those countries where the meteorological and sanitary conditions allow the growth of Aspergillus Flavus and the contaminated food is not discarded because of the critical economical and social situation. However this phenomenon is also recorded in those Nations where the environmental and meteorological conditions are not favourable to Aspergillus Flavus growth. In Europe it has been possible to measure low aflatoxin (M1) concentrations in milk destined to humans. This kind of contamination may represent a source of chronic exposure to an important risk factor for hepatocancerogenesis. In Italy an appropriate law regulating the maximum aflatoxin concentration in the food destined to human nutrition is lacking, therefore the purpose of this paper is to contribute to the knowledge of a possible human exposure from the milk consumed in the Turin area (north western Italy). The results obtained display a lower (but more diffused) contamination in milk sampled after processing treatments (1.9-15 ppt), than in raw milk (5.3-94 ppt). Moreover it has been possible to show a positive relationship between dry animal feed and aflatoxin concentrations in milk.
Collapse
|