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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.
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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.
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2
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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.
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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.
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3
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Caredda C, Franchitti E, Gilli G, Pignata C, Traversi D. Direct Impact of the Air on Mutant Cells for Mutagenicity Assessments in Urban Environments. Microorganisms 2023; 12:3. [PMID: 38276172 PMCID: PMC10820087 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010003] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urban air pollution is recognized as a critical problem for public health and is classified as a carcinogen for humans. A great number of studies have focused on the monitoring of urban air mutagenicity. One of the best-known and applied methods for assessing mutagenicity is the Ames test, a bacterial reverse mutation test. The classic protocol for assessing air mutagenicity involves the concentration of particulate matter (PM) on filters and subsequent extraction using organic solvents. This work aimed to develop a method for the evaluation of air mutagenicity directly impacted by air on microbial plates already containing an Ames' microbial sensor. METHODS A specific six-month sampling campaign was carried out in Turin in a period with high air pollution. Samples were tested for mutagenicity on Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, TA100, and YG1024 with the traditional method and with the new direct method. RESULTS The new protocol is able to evaluate the mutagenicity of the sampled air and obtain repeatable results. The final sensitivity is similar to the traditional method (≈10 net revertants/m3); however, the mutagenic response is due to the complete air pollution mixture, including volatile and semivolatile pollutants avoiding the concentration of filters and the following laborious extraction procedures. CONCLUSIONS Despite some critical issues in contamination control, the method is easier, faster, and less expensive than traditional methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Deborah Traversi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy; (C.C.); (E.F.); (C.P.)
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4
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Panizzolo M, Gea M, Carraro E, Gilli G, Bonetta S, Pignata C. Occurrence of human pathogenic viruses in drinking water and in its sources: A review. J Environ Sci (China) 2023; 132:145-161. [PMID: 37336605 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Since many waterborne diseases are caused by human pathogenic viruses, virus monitoring of drinking water (DW) and DW sources is crucial for public health. Therefore, the aim of this review was to describe the occurrence of human pathogenic viruses in DW and DW sources; the occurrence of two viruses proposed as novel indicators of human faecal contamination (Pepper mild mottle virus and Tobacco mosaic virus) was also reported. This research was focused on articles that assessed viral occurrence using molecular methods in the surface water used for DW production (SW-D), groundwater used for DW production (GW-D), DW and bottled-DW (BW). A total of 1544 studies published in the last 10 years were analysed, and 79 were ultimately included. In considering the detection methods, filtration is the most common concentration technique, while quantitative polymerase chain reaction is the most common quantification technique. Regarding virus occurrence in SW-D, GW-D, and DW, high percentages of positive samples were reported for adenovirus, polyomavirus and Pepper mild mottle virus. Viral genomes were frequently detected in SW-D and rarely in GW-D, suggesting that GW-D may be a safe DW source. Viral genomes were also detected in DW, posing a possible threat to human health. The lowest percentages of positive samples were found in Europe, while the highest were found in Asia and South America. Only three articles assessed viral occurrence in BW. This review highlights the lack of method standardization and the need for legislation updates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Panizzolo
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Marta Gea
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Carraro
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Giorgio Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Silvia Bonetta
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy
| | - Cristina Pignata
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy
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5
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Moroni A, Degan R, Martin B, Sciannameo V, Berchialla P, Gilli G, Micheletti Cremasco M. Effectiveness of Workplace Health Promotion (WHP) interventions in university employees: a scoping review. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:6974795. [PMID: 36617296 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daac171] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Workplace Health Promotion (WHP) interventions proved to be effective in several workplace contexts. Currently, the effectiveness of such interventions in the academic workplace is lacking, albeit evidence suggests similar patterns to those occurring in other workplace sectors. The aim of this study was to review WHP interventions in the university workplace that led to improve health- and work-related outcomes. Articles were selected using Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, PsycInfo, Cinhal and FSTA, using search strings focused on health- and/or work-related outcomes and involving University WHP interventions published between January 2010 and July 2021. The majority of the 12 studies selected reported positive results in their individuality, especially regarding health-related outcomes [biological such as weight loss, physical activity, mental health and lifestyle habits] and work-related outcomes concerning improvements either for the employee or for the working system. Studies on economic advantage and Return on Investment were limited and reported contrasting results. In conclusion, we have highlighted how the studies on effectiveness of WHP interventions in the university context are few and heterogeneous and need to be encouraged further research in order to build specific guidelines that are effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Moroni
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, 10123 Torino, Italy.,Suism University Service Center in Hygiene and Sport Sciences, University of Torino, Via Marenco 32, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Raffaella Degan
- Suism University Service Center in Hygiene and Sport Sciences, University of Torino, Via Marenco 32, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Barbara Martin
- Research and Third Mission Area, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Veronica Sciannameo
- Centre for Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
| | - Paola Berchialla
- Centre for Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
| | - Giorgio Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
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6
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Dutto M, Lauria G, Drago A, Martini S, Gorrasi I, Gilli G. Insects and SARS-CoV-2: Analysis of the Potential Role of Vectors in European Countries. Ann Ig 2021; 33:583-588. [PMID: 33779675 DOI: 10.7416/ai.2021.2441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Abstract SARS-CoV-2 is a coronavirus responsible for the pandemic that developed in China in late 2019. Transmission of the virus is predominantly direct, through exposure to infected respiratory secretions. As far as we know, arthropods play a key role in the transmission and spread of several viruses, and thus their role in the spread of COVID-19 deserves to be studied. The biological transmission of viral agents through insects is very complex. While mechanical transmission is more likely to happen, biological transmission is possible via blood-sucking arthropods, but this requires a high grade of compatibility between the vector and the pathogen. If the biological and mechanical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by blood-sucking arthropods is excluded, a mechanical transmission by urban pests could take place. This risk is very low but it could be important in isolated environmental conditions, where other means of transmission are not possible. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 in non-blood-sucking arthropods in infected buildings, like hospitals and retirement homes, should be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dutto
- Former Consultant Medical Entomology and Zoology, General Hospital A.O. S. Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - G Lauria
- Department of Emergency, General Hospital A.O. S. Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - A Drago
- Entostudio S.r.l. Ponte San Nicolò PD, Italy
| | - S Martini
- Entostudio S.r.l. Ponte San Nicolò PD, Italy
| | - I Gorrasi
- Department of Prevention, Service of Food Hygiene and Nutrition, Local Health Authority A.S.L. CN1, Cuneo, Italy
| | - G Gilli
- Emeritus Professor, Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Italy
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7
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Gorrasi ISR, Bonetta S, Roppolo M, Abbate Daga G, Bo S, Tagliabue A, Ferraris C, Guglielmetti M, Arpesella M, Gaeta M, Gallé F, Di Onofrio V, Liguori F, Liguori G, Gilli G, Carraro E. Traits of orthorexia nervosa and muscle dysmorphia in Italian university students: a multicentre study. Eat Weight Disord 2020; 25:1413-1423. [PMID: 31529388 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-019-00779-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of traits of orthorexia nervosa (ON) and muscle dysmorphia (MD) in a group of undergraduates, investigate the associations between the risk of these conditions and the type of university course attended, the individual characteristics (gender, BMI, amount of physical activity, supplements and medicines use, dieting) and the risk of eating disorders (EDs). METHODS A self-reported questionnaire consisting of a socio-demographic section and three tests validated for the evaluation of a risk of ON (ORTO-15), MD (MDDI-ITA) and EDs (EAT-26) was completed by 918 students from three Italian universities. RESULTS 29.0% of participants demonstrated traits of ON and 5.0% of MD, without differences in prevalence in the three areas of study investigated (health-scientific, economic-humanistic, sport sciences); students of sport sciences exhibited a significantly higher score for MDDI-ITA (F = 6.493, p = 0.002). Participants with ON and MD traits were more on a diet (OR = 0.47, p ≤ 0.001 and OR = 0.428, p = 0.020, respectively) and showed a higher prevalence of EDs risk (OR = 3.55, p < 0.001 and OR = 10.23, p ≤ 0.001, respectively). The simultaneous presence of ON, MD, and EDs traits was seen in 5.4% of the students and the three test scores were correlated. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of ON and MD traits was found similar to that reported in the literature on undergraduates. Some associations observed improvement in the knowledge about these conditions, especially the association of participants with ON and MD traits with dieting and EDs traits and the correlation of the three test scores suggests a connection among these potential conditions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V, descriptive cross-sectional survey.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvia Bonetta
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Via Santena 5bis, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Mattia Roppolo
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Via Santena 5bis, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Abbate Daga
- Department of Neurosciences "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 11, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Simona Bo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Anna Tagliabue
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cinzia Ferraris
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Monica Guglielmetti
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marisa Arpesella
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maddalena Gaeta
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Gallé
- Department of Movement and Wellbeing Sciences, University of Naples "Parthenope", Via Medina, 40, 80133, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Di Onofrio
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Naples "Parthenope", Business District, Block C4, 80143, Naples, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Liguori
- Department of Movement and Wellbeing Sciences, University of Naples "Parthenope", Via Medina, 40, 80133, Naples, Italy
| | - Giorgio Liguori
- Department of Movement and Wellbeing Sciences, University of Naples "Parthenope", Via Medina, 40, 80133, Naples, Italy
| | - Giorgio Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Via Santena 5bis, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Carraro
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Via Santena 5bis, 10126, Turin, Italy
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8
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Abstract
Abstract
Background
Biosensor technology can potentially revolutionise the area of air pollution monitoring by providing data on early biological effect induction. Such data can be developed for supplementing routine pollution monitoring, improving exposure estimation, including a potential effect estimation and raising community awareness about air pollution. Especially in consideration of complex biological effect such as mutagenic, genotoxic and other proved effects due to the air mixture exposure. The aim of the study is to propose a short-time biosensor for the mutagenic properties evaluation of air pollution.
Methods
A simple biosensor was developed using genetically modified microorganisms. A first sampling session was conducted in one of the most air-polluted city of Italy using the biosensor and collecting the data of the usual monitoring system, including PM2.5, PM10, NOx, PAHs and metals concentrations.
Results
The biosensor is able to answer to polluted air mixture indicating a valuable genotoxic effect. Such effect - expressed in relation to the air sampled volume - is comparable to that recorded by traditional genotoxicity in vitro assay on organic extract of particulate matter. Moreover, a comparison with reference measurements is conducted. Repeatability, reproducibility, stability, limit of detection as the impact of environmental factors on biosensor output have been discussed.
Conclusions
Due to copious difficulties arising when airborne emissions are sampled, biological assays have been applied only sporadically. Aerosol particles are generally collected on a filter and following extraction procedure and bioassay were performed. Monitoring using the biosensor require low sample quantity, directly colliding with the microorganism, and supply good choice when air genotoxicity are to be determined.
Key messages
Low-cost biosensors can empower high density monitoring of air pollution. The proposed biosensor is able to evaluate genotoxic properties of the air mixture even if data quality is a major concern for its employment.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Traversi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, Università degli Studi di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - C Pignata
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, Università degli Studi di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - E Anedda
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, Università degli Studi di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - G Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, Università degli Studi di Torino, Turin, Italy
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9
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Pignata C, Bonetta SI, Bonetta SA, Cacciò SM, Sannella AR, Gilli G, Carraro E. Cryptosporidium oocysts: are they still a risk for human population? A case study in Italy. Eur J Public Health 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.129] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Over the past decade, several outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis have been reported in many EU countries in association with the consumption of contaminated drinking water, recreational waters, food consumption and contact with animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in a drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) located in a rural area of northern Italy. Influent and effluent samples at the DWTP, together with tap water samples from a public fountain were collected for three years (2013-2016). All samples were analysed for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts by the EPA Method 1623 based on immunomagnetic separation (IMS)/immunofluorescence assay (IFA), complemented by 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. The detection has been implemented with a reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) protocol to evaluate the oocyst viability. The results highlighted a high variability of oocyst concentrations in all samples (mean 4.3 - 5.8/100 L) and a high percentage variability of the DAPI-positive specimens (mean 48.2% - 40.3%). Conversely, RT-PCR did not reveal the presence of any viable C. parvum and C. hominis oocysts. A nested PCR targeting Cryptosporidium 18S ribosomal DNA was carried out in two water samples to deepen the understanding of the obtained results. This test revealed the presence of a particular Cryptosporidium genotype associated with wild animals in the river and in tap water. Although the recovered Cryptosporidium genotype is not a human pathogen, its presence demonstrates the existence of a potential pathogen Cryptosporidium spp. contamination risk. Moreover, these results underline the importance of considering unconventional (not bacterial) biological contaminations (protozoa) in water resources in rural areas, including those of developed countries.
Key messages
The supply source and the drinking water treatment plant examined represent a classic example of a system that requires continuous monitoring to guarantee population health. Cryptosporidium oocysts may still be a Public Health problem even in industrialized countries, especially in rural and mountain areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Pignata
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - S i Bonetta
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - S a Bonetta
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - S M Cacciò
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - G Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - E Carraro
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
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10
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Bonetta S, Pignata C, Bonetta SA, Gasparro E, Lorenzi E, De Ceglia M, Gilli G, Carraro E. Role of different wastewater treatment plants in antibiotic resistance spreading. Eur J Public Health 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The global action plan on antimicrobial resistance reports the necessity to develop standards and guidance for the presence of antimicrobial agents in the environment, especially in wastewater, highlighting its possible role in the antibiotic resistance spreading. In addition, the New European One Health Action Plan against Antimicrobial Resistance underlines the need to support research into knowledge gaps on the release of resistant microorganisms into the environment and their dissemination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of Antibiotic Resistance Bacteria (ARB) and Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARG) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). At this scope, untreated sewage and treated effluents of three different WWTPs (A, B and C) were sampled for one year. Sample dilutions were plated on R2Agar added/not-added with 4 different antibiotics (ampicillin 32mg/L; tetracycline 16 mg/L; chloramphenicol 32 mg/L; sulfamethoxazole 50,4 mg/L) to evaluate the percentage of antibiotic resistant bacteria and their WWTPs removal rate (%). DNA extraction on the filter used to concentrate the wastewater samples was performed to reveal the ARG presence; subsequently specific PCRs for ARG (blaTEM, tetA, sul II, sul III) were carried out. ARB were detected in all samples analysed. The highest antibiotic resistance percentage was revealed in the sewage (mean 21,7%±4,8) and effluent (mean 21,1%±3,0) of the three wastewater treatment plants for sulfamethoxazole. Moreover, sul II was the most present gene in the samples (81% of all samples, 89 % of sewages and 72% of effluents). The lower WWTPs removal was recovered in the plant B for the tetracycline (95, 7%). The results obtained underlines the need to monitor WWTP as critical hot spot for the antibiotic resistance spreading also considering the One Health approach. Furthermore, the results obtained could suggest interventions to reduce the spread of the antibiotic resistance in the integrated urban water cycle.
Key messages
The information obtained could provide usefulness information about the role of wastewater treatment plant in the antibiotic resistance spreading. The results could contribute to suggest the interventions targeted to reduce the antibiotic resistance phenomenon in the integrated urban water cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bonetta
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - C Pignata
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - S a Bonetta
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - E Gasparro
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - E Lorenzi
- Società Metropolitana Acque Torino S.p.A, Turin, Italy
| | - M De Ceglia
- Società Metropolitana Acque Torino S.p.A, Turin, Italy
| | - G Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - E Carraro
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
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11
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Pignata C, Bonetta S, Bonetta S, Cacciò SM, Sannella AR, Gilli G, Carraro E. Cryptosporidium Oocyst Contamination in Drinking Water: A Case Study in Italy. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:E2055. [PMID: 31185673 PMCID: PMC6604028 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16112055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in a drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) located in a rural area of northern Italy. Influent and effluent samples were collected at the DWTP over three years (2013-2016). In parallel, tap water samples from a public drinking fountain were collected as well. All samples were analyzed for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts by a common method based on an immunomagnetic separation (IMS)/immunofluorescence assay (IFA), complemented by 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. A reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) protocol was added to evaluate oocyst viability. The results highlighted a high variability of oocyst concentrations across all samples (mean 4.3 ± 5.8/100 L) and a high variability in the percentage of DAPI-positive specimens (mean 48.2% ± 40.3%). Conversely, RT-PCR did not reveal the presence of viable C. parvum and C. hominis oocysts. A nested PCR targeting Cryptosporidium 18S ribosomal DNA, carried out in two water samples, confirmed the presence of a Cryptosporidium genotype associated with wild animals in the river and in tap water. The results obtained underline the vulnerability of the investigated surface water to Cryptosporidium spp. contamination. Although the recovered Cryptosporidium genotype is not a human pathogen, its presence demonstrates the existence of a potential pathogen Cryptosporidium spp. contamination risk. Moreover, these results underline the importance of also considering unconventional (not bacterial) biological contaminations (protozoa) in water resources in rural areas, including those of developed countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Pignata
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5bis, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Silvia Bonetta
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5bis, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Sara Bonetta
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5bis, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Simone M Cacciò
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Roma, Italy.
| | - Anna R Sannella
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Roma, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5bis, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Carraro
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5bis, 10126 Torino, Italy.
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12
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Armato C, Ahmed D, Agostino V, Traversi D, Degan R, Tommasi T, Margaria V, Sacco A, Gilli G, Quaglio M, Saracco G, Schilirò T. Anodic microbial community analysis of microbial fuel cells based on enriched inoculum from freshwater sediment. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2019; 42:697-709. [PMID: 30694390 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-019-02074-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The characterization of anodic microbial communities is of great importance in the study of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). These kinds of devices mainly require a high abundance of anode respiring bacteria (ARB) in the anode chamber for optimal performance. This study evaluated the effect of different enrichments of environmental freshwater sediment samples used as inocula on microbial community structures in MFCs. Two enrichment media were compared: ferric citrate (FeC) enrichment, with the purpose of increasing the ARB percentage, and general enrichment (Gen). The microbial community dynamics were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) and real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The enrichment effect was visible on the microbial community composition both during precultures and in anode MFCs. Both enrichment approaches affected microbial communities. Shannon diversity as well as β-Proteobacteria and γ-Proteobacteria percentages decreased during the enrichment steps, especially for FeC (p < 0.01). Our data suggest that FeC enrichment excessively reduced the diversity of the anode community, rather than promoting the proliferation of ARB, causing a condition that did not produce advantages in terms of system performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Armato
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Turin, Italy.,Centre for Sustainable Future Technologies (CSFT@PoliTo), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Turin, Italy
| | - Daniyal Ahmed
- Centre for Sustainable Future Technologies (CSFT@PoliTo), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Turin, Italy.,Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Valeria Agostino
- Centre for Sustainable Future Technologies (CSFT@PoliTo), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Turin, Italy.,Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Deborah Traversi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Raffaella Degan
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Tonia Tommasi
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Margaria
- Centre for Sustainable Future Technologies (CSFT@PoliTo), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Turin, Italy
| | - Adriano Sacco
- Centre for Sustainable Future Technologies (CSFT@PoliTo), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Turin, Italy
| | - Giorgio Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Marzia Quaglio
- Centre for Sustainable Future Technologies (CSFT@PoliTo), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Turin, Italy
| | - Guido Saracco
- Centre for Sustainable Future Technologies (CSFT@PoliTo), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Turin, Italy
| | - Tiziana Schilirò
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Turin, Italy.
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13
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Bonetta S, Pignata C, Bonetta S, Meucci L, Giacosa D, Marino E, Gorrasi I, Gilli G, Carraro E. Effectiveness of a neutral electrolysed oxidising water (NEOW) device in reducing Legionella pneumophila in a water distribution system: A comparison between culture, qPCR and PMA-qPCR detection methods. Chemosphere 2018; 210:550-556. [PMID: 30029147 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.07.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Disinfection of hot water systems is critical for reducing Legionnaires' disease in high-risk buildings. The use of neutral electrolysed oxidising water (NEOW) is a promising method for the control of microorganisms in hot water systems. However, full-scale evaluations of the efficacy of NEOW devices to control Legionella pneumophila are currently lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a NEOW device in reducing L. pneumophila in a hotel water network. Water samples (n = 67) were collected from different sites of a hotel distribution system before and after the installation of the NEOW device at the 1st, 4th, 8th and 12th week. Detection of L. pneumophila was performed comparing culture, qPCR and PMA-qPCR methods. Total bacterial counts (22 °C and 37 °C), Pseudomonas spp. and physico-chemical parameters were also monitored. The NEOW treatment resulted in a reduction of the amount of L. pneumophila positive samples (-32%) and of the number of heavily contaminated points (>104 CFU/L and >103 CFU/L) (-100% and -96%, respectively). Treatment maintained L. pneumophila at low levels (<102 CFU/L), which do not require specific intervention measures. The effectiveness of the disinfection system was also confirmed by PMA-qPCR (p < 0.001). The use of PMA resulted in a signal decrease in almost all samples upon the disinfection treatment. The NEOW disinfection device appears to be a promising approach to reduce the colonisation of hot water systems by L. pneumophila; however, further investigations are needed to ascertain its efficiency over longer time periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bonetta
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy.
| | - Cristina Pignata
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Silvia Bonetta
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Lorenza Meucci
- Società Metropolitana Acque Torino S.P.A, C.so XI Febbraio 14, 10152, Torino, Italy
| | - Donatella Giacosa
- Società Metropolitana Acque Torino S.P.A, C.so XI Febbraio 14, 10152, Torino, Italy
| | - Elena Marino
- Società Metropolitana Acque Torino S.P.A, C.so XI Febbraio 14, 10152, Torino, Italy
| | - Ilaria Gorrasi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Giorgio Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Carraro
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy
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14
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Gea M, Schilirò T, Iacomussi P, Degan R, Bonetta S, Gilli G. Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of light emitted by incandescent, halogen, and LED bulbs on ARPE-19 and BEAS-2B cell lines. J Toxicol Environ Health A 2018; 81:998-1014. [PMID: 30325709 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2018.1510350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
LED technology has the extraordinary ability to reduce energy consumption, constituting an economic and ecological advantage, so it is planned to replace incandescent, halogen and other inefficient bulbs for public and domestic lighting with LEDs. LEDs present specific spectral and energetic characteristics compared with those of other domestic light sources, so the potential risks for human health of these bulbs need to be explored. The aim of this study was to assess cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of light emitted by different commercial light bulbs: incandescent, halogen, and two LED bulbs with different correlated color temperatures. The evaluation was done on ARPE-19 as a specific cell model for eye toxicity and on BEAS-2B as a good cell model for toxicology tests. Light induced mainly cytotoxic effects on ARPE-19 and DNA damage on BEAS-2B, so different cell lines showed different biological responses. Moreover, our findings indicate that among the four bulbs, cold LED caused the highest cytotoxic effect on ARPE-19 and the highest genotoxic and oxidative effect on BEAS-2B. Cold LED is probably able to cause more cellular damage because it contains more high-energy radiations (blue). These results suggest that LED technology could be a safe alternative to older technologies, but the use of warm LED should be preferred to cold LED, which can potentially cause adverse effects on retinal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gea
- a Department of Public Health and Pediatrics , University of Torino , Torino , Italy
| | - Tiziana Schilirò
- a Department of Public Health and Pediatrics , University of Torino , Torino , Italy
| | - Paola Iacomussi
- b Italian National Metrological Institute , INRIM , Torino , Italy
| | - Raffaella Degan
- a Department of Public Health and Pediatrics , University of Torino , Torino , Italy
| | - Sara Bonetta
- a Department of Public Health and Pediatrics , University of Torino , Torino , Italy
| | - Giorgio Gilli
- a Department of Public Health and Pediatrics , University of Torino , Torino , Italy
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15
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Carraro E, Schilirò T, Biorci F, Romanazzi V, Degan R, Buonocore D, Verri M, Dossena M, Bonetta S, Gilli G. Physical Activity, Lifestyle Factors and Oxidative Stress in Middle Age Healthy Subjects. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2018; 15:ijerph15061152. [PMID: 29865194 PMCID: PMC6025138 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15061152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) has been recognized to play a primary role in many acute and chronic diseases. Environmental and lifestyle factors, such as physical activity and dietary intake are involved in the oxidative balance, but their specific influence remains unclear. In order to contribute to a greater characterization of the oxidative status in relation to exercise training and to environmental and lifestyle factors, different biomarkers—pro-oxidant capacity (d-ROMs), anti-oxidant capacity (BAP), radical scavenging activity (DPPH) and DNA damage (8-OHdGuo)—were measured in biological samples of a group of healthy middle aged subjects. The evaluation of the investigated biomarkers highlighted a significant effect of exercise training on OS, measured as d-ROMs and 8OhdGuo, in subjects playing regular physical activity. An association of the OS status measured by DPPH and 8-OhdGuo with the condition of living in urban high traffic areas was also found. Otherwise dietary habits did not reveal any significant effect on OS levels by the investigated biomarkers. As a whole the results obtained in this investigation suggested that a correct lifestyle, with regular physical activity practice, contributes to control the OS status in middle age subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Carraro
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Schilirò
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Felicina Biorci
- Center of Sport and Preventive Medicine, University of Torino, Piazza Bernini 12, 10143 Torino, Italy.
| | - Valeria Romanazzi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Raffaella Degan
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Daniela Buonocore
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Manuela Verri
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Maurizia Dossena
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Sara Bonetta
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
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16
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Affiliation(s)
- N.G. De Santo
- Chairs of Nephrology and Pediatric Nephrology, 1st Faculty of Medicine University of Naples Naples, Italy
| | - G. Gilli
- Chairs of Nephrology and Pediatric Nephrology, 1st Faculty of Medicine University of Naples Naples, Italy
| | - G. Capasso
- Chairs of Nephrology and Pediatric Nephrology, 1st Faculty of Medicine University of Naples Naples, Italy
| | - V.A. Di Leo
- Chairs of Nephrology and Pediatric Nephrology, 1st Faculty of Medicine University of Naples Naples, Italy
| | - C. Giordano
- Chairs of Nephrology and Pediatric Nephrology, 1st Faculty of Medicine University of Naples Naples, Italy
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17
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Bonetta S, Pignata C, Bonetta S, Meucci L, Giacosa D, Marino E, Gilli G, Carraro E. Viability of Legionella pneumophila in Water Samples: A Comparison of Propidium Monoazide (PMA) Treatment on Membrane Filters and in Liquid. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2017; 14:ijerph14050467. [PMID: 28448459 PMCID: PMC5451918 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14050467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Legionella pneumophila is a ubiquitous microorganism widely distributed in aquatic environments and can cause Legionellosis in humans. A promising approach to detect viable cells in water samples involves the use of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in combination with photoactivatable DNA intercalator propidium monoazide (PMA). However, the PMA efficiency could be different depending on the experimental conditions used. The aim of this study was to compare two PMA exposure protocols: (A) directly on the membrane filter or (B) in liquid after filter washing. The overall PMA-induced qPCR means reductions in heat-killed L. pneumophila cells were 2.42 and 1.91 log units for exposure protocols A and B, respectively. A comparison between the results obtained reveals that filter exposure allows a higher PMA-qPCR signal reduction to be reached, mainly at low concentrations (p < 0.05). This confirms the potential use of this method to quantify L. pneumophila in water with low contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bonetta
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, P.zza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Cristina Pignata
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, P.zza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Silvia Bonetta
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, P.zza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Lorenza Meucci
- Società Metropolitana Acque Torino S.p.A., C.so XI Febbraio, 14, 10152 Torino, Italy.
| | - Donatella Giacosa
- Società Metropolitana Acque Torino S.p.A., C.so XI Febbraio, 14, 10152 Torino, Italy.
| | - Elena Marino
- Società Metropolitana Acque Torino S.p.A., C.so XI Febbraio, 14, 10152 Torino, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, P.zza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Carraro
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, P.zza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
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18
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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.
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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
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19
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Romanazzi V, Bonetta S, Fornasero S, De Ceglia M, Gilli G, Traversi D. Assessing Methanobrevibacter smithii and Clostridium difficile as not conventional faecal indicators in effluents of a wastewater treatment plant integrated with sludge anaerobic digestion. J Environ Manage 2016; 184:170-177. [PMID: 27697372 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.09.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are an important source of surface water contamination by enteric pathogens, affecting the role of environmental water as a microbial reservoir. We describe the release to the environment of certain anaerobes of human and environmental concern. The work was focused on emerging microbial targets. They are tracing, by RT-qPCR, on WWTP effluents, both liquid and solid, when an anaerobic digestion step is included. The focus is placed on Clostridium spp. with the specific quantification of Clostridium perfringens, as typical bioindicator, and Clostridium difficile, as emerging pathogen not only confined into nosocomial infection. Moreover methanogens were quantified for their involvement in the anaerobic digestion, and in particular on Methanobrevibacter smithii as major methanogenic component of the human gut microbiome and as not conventional faecal indicator. In the water samples, a reduction, statistically significant, in all microbial targets was observed (p < 0.01), 2 log for the total bacteria, 1.4 log for the Clostridium spp. and M. smithii, 1 log for total methanogens, C. perfringens and C. difficile. The AD process contribute to a significant change in microbial levels into the sludge for total bacteria and total methanogens (p < 0.01), both when the input sludge are primary and secondary, while for the presence of Clostridium spp. and C. difficile there was not a significant change. The produced data are innovative showing which is the diffusion of such anaerobic microorganisms throughout the WWTP and opening a discussion on the implementation of possible techniques for a more efficient microbial removal from effluents, particularly bio-solids, to reduce the potential release of pathogens into the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Romanazzi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Silvia Bonetta
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Stefania Fornasero
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Margherita De Ceglia
- SMAT - Depuratore di Castiglione Torinese, Società Metropolitana Acque Torino S.p.A., Corso XI Febbraio 14, 10152 Torino, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Deborah Traversi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
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20
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Bonetta S, Pignata C, Lorenzi E, De Ceglia M, Meucci L, Bonetta S, Gilli G, Carraro E. Detection of pathogenic Campylobacter, E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp. in wastewater by PCR assay. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2016; 23:15302-15309. [PMID: 27106076 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-6682-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [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: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was the evaluation of the occurrence of pathogenic Campylobacter, Escherichia coli O157:H7, E. coli virulence genes and Salmonella spp. in different wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) using a method based on an enrichment step and PCR. This method was sensitive enough to detect low levels (∼2 CFU100 ml(-1) of raw sewage) of all the investigated pathogens. In the WWTP samples, E. coli O157:H7 DNA and the eae gene were never found, but 33 % of influents and effluents exhibited amplicons corresponding to Shiga-like toxin I. Twenty-five percent of the influent and 8 % of the effluent exhibited the presence of Shiga-like toxin II. Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli DNA were identified in 50 and 25 % of the influents and in 8 and 25 % of the effluents, respectively. Salmonella spp. DNA was present in all the samples. Considering the results obtained, the method tested here offers a reliable and expeditious tool for evaluating the efficiency of the effluent treatment in order to mitigate contamination risk. Influent contamination by Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. provides indirect information about their circulation; moreover, their presence in effluents underlines the role of WWTPs in the contamination of the receiving surface waters, which affects public health directly or indirectly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Bonetta
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - C Pignata
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - E Lorenzi
- Società Metropolitana Acque Torino S.p.A., C.so XI Febbraio, 14, Torino, 10152, Italy
| | - M De Ceglia
- Società Metropolitana Acque Torino S.p.A., C.so XI Febbraio, 14, Torino, 10152, Italy
| | - L Meucci
- Società Metropolitana Acque Torino S.p.A., C.so XI Febbraio, 14, Torino, 10152, Italy
| | - Sa Bonetta
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - G Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - E Carraro
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126, Torino, Italy.
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21
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Bozzetti F, Cozzaglio L, Biganzoli E, Chiavenna G, De Cicco M, Donati D, Gilli G, Percolla S, Pironi L. Quality of Life and Length of Survival in Advanced Cancer Patients on Home Parenteral Nutrition. Nutr Clin Pract 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/0115426503018002176a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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22
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Carraro E, Bonetta S, Bertino C, Lorenzi E, Bonetta S, Gilli G. Hospital effluents management: Chemical, physical, microbiological risks and legislation in different countries. J Environ Manage 2016; 168:185-99. [PMID: 26708649 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2015.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [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: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Hospital wastewater (HWW) can contain hazardous substances, such as pharmaceutical residues, chemical hazardous substances, pathogens and radioisotopes. Due to these substances, hospital wastewater can represent a chemical, biological and physical risk for public and environmental health. In particular, several studies demonstrate that the main effects of these substances can't be neutralised by wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). These substances can be found in a wide range of concentrations due to the size of a hospital, the bed density, number of inpatients and outpatients, the number and the type of wards, the number and types of services, the country and the season. Some hazardous substances produced in hospital facilities have a regulatory status and are treated like waste and are disposed of accordingly (i.e., dental amalgam and medications). Legislation is quite homogeneous for these substances in all industrial countries. Problems that have emerged in the last decade concern substances and microorganisms that don't have a regulatory status, such as antibiotic residues, drugs and specific pathogens. At a global level, guidelines exist for treatment methods for these effluents, but legislation in all major industrial countries don't contain limitations on these parameters. Therefore, a monitoring system is necessary for these effluents as well as for substances and pathogens, as these elements can represent a risk to the environment and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Carraro
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy.
| | - Si Bonetta
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - C Bertino
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - E Lorenzi
- Società Metropolitana Acque Torino S.p.A., C.so XI Febbraio, 14, 10152, Torino, Italy
| | - Sa Bonetta
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - G Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy
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Schilirò T, Alessandria L, Bonetta S, Carraro E, Gilli G. Inflammation response and cytotoxic effects in human THP-1 cells of size-fractionated PM10 extracts in a polluted urban site. Chemosphere 2016; 145:89-97. [PMID: 26688243 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.11.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 08/07/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
To contribute to a greater characterization of the airborne particulate matter's toxicity, size-fractionated PM10 was sampled during different seasons in a polluted urban site in Torino, a northern Italian city. Three main size fractions (PM10 - 3 μm; PM3 - 0.95 μm; PM < 0.95 μm) extracts (organic and aqueous) were assayed with THP-1 cells to evaluate their effects on cell proliferation, LDH activity, TNFα, IL-8 and CYP1A1 expression. The mean PM10 concentrations were statistically different in summer and in winter and the finest fraction PM<0.95 was always higher than the others. Size-fractionated PM10 extracts, sampled in an urban traffic meteorological-chemical station produced size-related toxicological effects in relation to season and particles extraction. The PM summer extracts induced a significant release of LDH compared to winter and produced a size-related effect, with higher values measured with PM10-3. Exposure to size-fractionated PM10 extracts did not induce significant expression of TNFα. IL-8 expression was influenced by exposure to size-fractionated PM10 extracts and statistically significant differences were found between kind of extracts for both seasons. The mean fold increases in CYP1A1 expression were statistically different in summer and in winter; winter fraction extracts produced a size-related effect, in particular for organic samples with higher values measured with PM<0.95 extracts. Our results confirm that the only measure of PM can be misleading for the assessment of air quality moreover we support efforts toward identifying potential effect-based tools (e.g. in vitro test) that could be used in the context of the different monitoring programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Schilirò
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia, 94, 10126, Torino, Italy.
| | - L Alessandria
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia, 94, 10126, Torino, Italy.
| | - S Bonetta
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia, 94, 10126, Torino, Italy.
| | - E Carraro
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia, 94, 10126, Torino, Italy.
| | - G Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia, 94, 10126, Torino, Italy.
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Carandina I, Carandina I, Belluomini L, Daniel F, Piva E, Gilli G, Frassoldati A. The impact of nutritional support in head and neck cancer patients treated with chemoradiation therapy. Ann Oncol 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdv342.17] [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
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25
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Schilirò T, Spina F, Cordero C, Ridolfo T, Bicchi C, Varese GC, Gilli G. Bio-removal of estrogenic activity in municipal wastewaters. Eur J Public Health 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckv174.038] [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
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26
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Carraro E, Bonetta S, Bonetta S, Lorenzi E, De Ceglia M, Pignata C, Gilli G. Occurrence of emerging pathogens in wastewater using a molecular method. Eur J Public Health 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckv170.059] [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
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27
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Romanazzi V, Traversi D, Lorenzi E, Gilli G. Effects of freezing storage on the DNA extraction and microbial evaluation from anaerobic digested sludges. BMC Res Notes 2015; 8:420. [PMID: 26347085 PMCID: PMC4562115 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-015-1407-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The anaerobic digestion is one of the most spread renewable energy technology. The input biomasses included various environmental problematic wastes such as sludge coming from wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW). As biomolecular procedures have become important tools for the microbial characterisation of anaerobic samples coming from the reactors, it is crucial sampling and extracting properly DNA in order to employ such types of techniques. The current study is aimed to evaluate how freezing temperature and length of storage at −20 °C influence both the extracted DNA yield and microbial community quantifications from digested sludge samples collected at full-scale plants. Results From WWTP sludge samples, we observed a reduction of DNA concentration comparing fresh and stored samples for 10 days at −20 °C (ANOVA test p < 0.0001), with an estimated DNA loss of approximately 65 % for such types of samples, however the methanogen communities can be assessed respecting the fresh conditions. From OFMSW sludge samples, we observed a reduction in extracted DNA (−90 %), after 120 frozen days, while microbial communities are determined respecting the fresh conditions within 2 months of frozen storage. Conclusions The remarkable effect of frozen storage on sludge samples suggests as the better procedure to perform the DNA extraction from fresh sample. On the other hand it is not generally possible, so approximately 2 months of storage at −20 °C appears to be suitable time at which DNA concentrations remain sufficient to perform coherent microbial characterization through quantitative qRT-PCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Romanazzi
- Hygiene Division, Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126, Turin, Italy.
| | - Deborah Traversi
- Hygiene Division, Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126, Turin, Italy.
| | - Eugenio Lorenzi
- SMAT, Società Metropolitana Acque Torino S.p.A., Corso XI Febbraio 14, 10152, Turin, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Gilli
- Hygiene Division, Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126, Turin, Italy.
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Ferrante M, Copat C, Mauceri C, Grasso A, Schilirò T, Gilli G. The importance of indicators in monitoring water quality according to European directives. Epidemiol Prev 2015; 39:71-75. [PMID: 26499419] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Directive 2000/60/EC and subsequent legislation provide a list of priority substances to be measured and monitored in EU water bodies and require the adoption of analytical methods that ensure comparability of the data collected in all Member States. These regulations and standards have gradually improved water quality in the EU. However, new drugs, whose effects on ecosystems and health are still to be determined, are detected with growing frequency. The Member States are now called upon to characterize and monitor these pollutants in view of their possible inclusion in the priority substance list.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Ferrante
- Laboratorio igiene ambientale e alimenti (LIAA), Dip. Scienze mediche, chirurgiche e tecnologie avanzate "G.F. Ingrassia", Università di Catania, Italy.
| | - Chiara Copat
- Laboratorio igiene ambientale e alimenti (LIAA), Dip. Scienze mediche, chirurgiche e tecnologie avanzate "G.F. Ingrassia", Università di Catania, Italy
| | - Cristina Mauceri
- Laboratorio igiene ambientale e alimenti (LIAA), Dip. Scienze mediche, chirurgiche e tecnologie avanzate "G.F. Ingrassia", Università di Catania, Italy
| | - Alfina Grasso
- Laboratorio igiene ambientale e alimenti (LIAA), Dip. Scienze mediche, chirurgiche e tecnologie avanzate "G.F. Ingrassia", Università di Catania, Italy
| | - Tiziana Schilirò
- Dip. Scienze sanità pubblica e pediatriche, Università di Torino, Italy
| | - Giorgio Gilli
- Dip. Scienze sanità pubblica e pediatriche, Università di Torino, Italy
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Zani C, Donato F, Grioni S, Viola GCV, Ceretti E, Feretti D, Festa A, Bonizzoni S, Bonetti A, Monarca S, Villarini M, Levorato S, Carducci A, Verani M, Casini B, De Donno A, Grassi T, Idolo A, Carraro E, Gilli G, Bonetta S, Gelatti U. Feasibility and reliability of a questionnaire for evaluation of the exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollutants, diet and physical activity in 6-8-year-old children. Ann Ig 2015; 27:646-56. [PMID: 26241109 DOI: 10.7416/ai.2015.2056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The MAPEC-Life project aims to study the biological effects of early exposure to air pollutants on the oral mucosa cells of school-age children in five Italian cities. A questionnaire was created to evaluate the association between outdoor and indoor airborne pollutants, lifestyle, diet and biomarker effects. The feasibility and reliability of the questionnaire were evaluated. METHODS A questionnaire was drawn up to be filled in by the parents of 6-8-year-old children. It consisted of 148 questions on the children's health, physical activity, environmental exposures and the frequency of food consumption at the main meals. First we conducted a questionnaire feasibility study involving 53 volunteer parents. We then performed a reliability study by administering the questionnaire to a further 156 parents and again one month later (test/retest method). The correlations between answers at the first and second administration of the questionnaire were evaluated using the Kappa statistic and Spearman's coefficient. RESULTS After verifying the feasibility of the questionnaire, we conducted a reliability analysis on 132 completed questionnaires. The percentage of agreement between the first and the second responses given was over 70%, all K values being greater than 0.6. The analysis of calories and macronutrients also showed good agreement. CONCLUSIONS The questionnaire drawn up for the study proved to be sufficiently reliable for gathering information about the factors of interest in our study of the relationship between air pollution and early biological effects in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Zani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - F Donato
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - S Grioni
- IRCCS Foundation, National Cancer Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - G C V Viola
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - E Ceretti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - D Feretti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - A Festa
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - A Bonetti
- Centro Servizi Multisettoriale e Tecnologico-CSMT Gestione S.c.a.r.l., Brescia, Italy
| | - S Monarca
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - M Villarini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - S Levorato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - A Carducci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Verani
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - B Casini
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A De Donno
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - T Grassi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - A Idolo
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - E Carraro
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - G Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - S Bonetta
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - U Gelatti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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30
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Traversi D, Romanazzi V, Degan R, Lorenzi E, Carraro E, Gilli G. Microbial-chemical indicator for anaerobic digester performance assessment in full-scale wastewater treatment plants for biogas production. Bioresour Technol 2015; 186:179-191. [PMID: 25817028 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2015.03.042] [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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion was introduced into wastewater treatment plants several years ago, but anaerobic digestion performance has not yet been achieved. The variability of the microbial community in digesters is poorly understood, and despite the crucial role of anaerobic digestion reactors, the microbial equilibrium that yields the best performance in these reactors has only recently been hypothesised. In this study, two full-scale continuous anaerobic reactors, placed in Torino's main wastewater treatment plant in northern Italy, were followed to develop a summary indicator for measuring anaerobic digestion performance. A total of 100 sludge samples were collected. The samples were characterised chemically and physically, and microbial groups were quantified by qRT-PCR. A chemical biological performance index strictly correlated to specific biogas production (rho=0.739, p<0.01) is proposed. This approach will produce new management tools for anaerobic digestion in wastewater treatment plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Traversi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Valeria Romanazzi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Raffaella Degan
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Eugenio Lorenzi
- SMAT - Società Metropolitana Acque Torino S.p.A., Corso XI Febbraio, 14 10152 Torino, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Carraro
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Giorgio Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy
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Affiliation(s)
- O Mehls
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Heidelberg, FRG
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Traversi D, Festa E, Pignata C, Gilli G. Aero-dispersed mutagenicity attributed to particulate and semi volatile phase in an urban environment. Chemosphere 2015; 124:163-169. [PMID: 25563164 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.12.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 04/30/2014] [Revised: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Commonly the atmospheric pollution research is focussed on particulate indicators especially when mutagenicity was studied. On the other hand the volatile and semi-volatile compounds no adsorbed on to the particles can be genotoxic and mutagenic. Moreover some mutagenic compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, are present both in the particulate and in the gas-phase in according to chemical conditions. This work is focussed on the assessing of the total mutagenicity shifting the gas-phase and particulate phase, during two seasons, in Turin. Two sampling sessions are conducted for total particulate matter and gas-phase pollutants. Moreover meteorological and usual air pollution monitoring data were collected at the same sampling station. The Salmonella assay using the strains TA98 and YG1021 was conducted on each organic extract. The mean level of total suspended particles, PM10 and PM2.5 were 73.63±26.94, 42.85±26.75 and 31.55±26.35 μg m(-)(3). The observed mutagenicity was PM induced YG1021>PM induced TA98>PM induced TA98+S9≫non-particle induced YG1021>non-particle induced TA98>non-particle induced TA98+S9. The multivariate regression is significant when we consider air pollution and meteorological indicators and chemical conditions as predictors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Traversi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Evelina Festa
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Cristina Pignata
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Giorgio Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy
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Traversi D, Gorrasi I, Bonetta S, Leinardi R, Pietrangeli B, Carraro E, Gilli G. Green job bio-aerosol exposure during anaerobic digestion for biomass energetic valorisation. Environ Res 2015; 138:425-431. [PMID: 25791865 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.02.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 11/13/2014] [Revised: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The continued expansion of the green economy increases the risk profile for green occupational jobs. One of the broadest green sectors in terms of growth is the anaerobic digestion of biomasses. In recent years, this development has also interested Italian regions. The management of biomass includes biological risk and the risk of particulate and endotoxin exposure. In the present study, we evaluated airborne exposure for anaerobic digestion workers at two real-scale plants. Digested biomass has different origins, ranging from cattle sludge and manure to poultry manure to agricultural harvesting or processing residues, particularly from maize and fruits. Two sampling points were chosen: at the first, the input biomasses were stored, and the hopper was loaded; at the second, the digested sludge exited the digester. The microbiological parameters, assessed using an active sampler and cultural method, were the total bacteria counts (at 22, 37, and 55°C), yeasts, fungi, Pseudomonaceae, Clostridia spp., Enterobacteriaceae and Actinomycetes. Moreover, at the same sampling points, we evaluated six PM10 fraction levels (10.0-7.2, 7.2-3.0, 3.0-1.5, 1.5-0.95, 0.95-0.49, and <0.49µm) and the endotoxin content of each fraction. In this investigation, the microbe contamination of the air varied from low to high levels, while the PM10 and endotoxin levels were limited, reaching rural environmental levels (61.40µg/m(3) and 18.88EU/m(3), respectively). However, contamination and occupational risk must be evaluated individually for each plant because numerous variables influence the risk magnitude, particularly digested sludge treatments, such as input biomass nature, storage, movement conditions, building configuration and technological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Traversi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Gorrasi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Sara Bonetta
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Riccardo Leinardi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Biancamaria Pietrangeli
- Department Productive Plants & Environment Interaction (DIPIA), National Institute of Occupational Safety & Prevention INAIL, I-00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Carraro
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Giorgio Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy
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Schilirò T, Bonetta S, Alessandria L, Gianotti V, Carraro E, Gilli G. PM10 in a background urban site: chemical characteristics and biological effects. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol 2015; 39:833-44. [PMID: 25769103 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2015.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 07/29/2014] [Revised: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/07/2015] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
PM10 was sampled in a background urban site in Torino, a northern Italian city. PM10 extracts were tested with THP-1 and A-549 cells to evaluate their effects on cell proliferation, LDH activity, TNFα, IL8 and CYP1A1 expression, and genotoxic damage induction (Comet assay). Through Principal Component Analysis (PCA), it was observed that (1) the aqueous extracts induced the inhibition of cell proliferation in the warm season that clustered together to total ions, (2) organic extracts determined a winter cell viability reduction and (3) there was a genotoxic effect associated with PAH and metal concentrations. The analysed low PAH levels were unable to induce significant CYP1A1 expression. The results obtained confirmed that PM composition and seasonality play an important role in particle-induced toxicity. The presence of PM10-induced biological effects at a low polluted site suggested that a reduction of PM10 mass did not seem to be sufficient to reduce its toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Schilirò
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia, 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - S Bonetta
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia, 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - L Alessandria
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia, 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - V Gianotti
- Department of Sciences and Innovative Technology, University of Piemonte Orientale "A. Avogadro", Viale T. Michel 11, 15121 Alessandria, Italy.
| | - E Carraro
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia, 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - G Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia, 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
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Bono R, Tassinari R, Bellisario V, Gilli G, Pazzi M, Pirro V, Mengozzi G, Bugiani M, Piccioni P. Urban air and tobacco smoke as conditions that increase the risk of oxidative stress and respiratory response in youth. Environ Res 2015; 137:141-146. [PMID: 25531819 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [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: 06/09/2014] [Revised: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution and tobacco smoke can induce negative effects on the human health and often leads to the formation of oxidative stress. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to clarify the role of the urbanization degree and of passive exposure to tobacco smoke in the formation of oxidative stress. Thus, a group of non-smoking adolescents was recruited among those who live and attend school in areas with three different population densities. To each subject a spot of urine was collected to quantify 15-F2t isoprostane as a marker of oxidative stress and cotinine as a marker of passive exposure to tobacco smoke. Furthermore, respiratory functionality was also measured. RESULTS Multiple linear regression analysis results showed a direct correlation (p<0.0001) of 15-F2t isoprostane with both the urbanization and passive smoke. Lung function parameters proved significantly lower for the subjects living in the most populous city of Torino. CONCLUSION This remarks the negative effect that urbanization has on the respiratory conditions. Lastly, lung functionality presented a low inverse correlation with 15-F2t isoprostane, suggesting an independent mechanism than that of the urban factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bono
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Italy.
| | - Roberta Tassinari
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Italy
| | | | - Giorgio Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Marco Pazzi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Torino, Italy
| | | | - Giulio Mengozzi
- Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, San Giovanni Battista Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Pavilio Piccioni
- Unit of Respiratory Medicine, National Health Service (ASL TO2), Torino, Italy
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Traversi D, Cervella P, Gilli G. Evaluating the genotoxicity of urban PM2.5 using PCR-based methods in human lung cells and the Salmonella TA98 reverse test. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2015; 22:1279-1289. [PMID: 25138555 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3435-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 08/10/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
A number of compounds found in particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <2.5 (PM2.5) can interact with DNA either directly or after enzymatic transformation to induce DNA modifications. These particulate matter (PM)-induced alterations in DNA may be associated with increased frequencies of pollution-associated diseases, such as lung cancer. In the present study, we applied different methods to assess the mutagenicity and genotoxicity of monthly PM2.5 organic extracts collected over a full year. We used the Salmonella assay, exposed cultured human embryonic lung fibroblasts and applied extracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and 2,3-bis[2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl]-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxyanilide inner salt (XTT) assays to assess the cytotoxicity of PM2.5 on the cells. We assessed both the expression levels of a number of DNA repair genes (using qRT-qPCR) and the genetic profile of the treated cells compared to the control. The expression levels of XRCC1 and APE1, which are involved in the first steps of base excision repair, as well as ERCC1, XPA and XPF, which encode nucleotide excision repair subunits, were analysed. The monthly mean of the PM2.5 collected was 35.16 ± 22.06 μg/m(3). The mutagenicity of PM2.5 to TA98 was 46 ± 50 net revertants/m(3), while the mutagenicity to TA98 + S9 was 17 ± 19 net revertants/m(3). The mean IC50 values were 2.741 ± 1.414 and 3.219 ± 2.764 m(3) of equivalent air in the XTT and LDH assays, respectively. A marked and significant increase in APE1 expression levels was observed in the exposed cells. This effect was also significantly correlated with mutagenicity (p < 0.01). No induced AFLP fragment profile alterations were detected. The proposed approach seems to be useful for integrated evaluation and for highlighting the mechanisms inducing DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Traversi
- Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Torino, piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy,
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Romanazzi V, Casazza M, Malandrino M, Maurino V, Piano A, Schilirò T, Gilli G. PM10 size distribution of metals and environmental-sanitary risk analysis in the city of Torino. Chemosphere 2014; 112:210-216. [PMID: 25048908 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 12/13/2013] [Revised: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms responsible for negative biological effects due to airborne particulate matter (PM) exposure are still being studied, however the interactions between metals and biologic systems seem to be of primary importance. The aim of the study was to estimate a healthy risk linked to exposure to airborne PM10 metals by means of an environmental-sanitary risk assessment. Metals PM10 size distribution analysis was carried out in a central site of Torino city - Italy, then the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and the Cancer Risk (CR) were applied, according to standard EPA methods. All sampled metals were present on the different PM10 fractions, however some metals were distributed in some specific fractions: ANOVA test shows Cr, Cu, Mo and Pb as differently distributed among the eight fractions, rising the hypothesis of potential effects in specific tracts of respiratory system. Regarding the risk assessment, in general the CR was higher for an adult than for a child, conversely the THQ resulted higher for a child. While the concentrations of all the sampled metals appeared to be under control, their presence in the different PM10 fractions and their THQ and CR provided indications related to the body districts potentially in contact with these substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Romanazzi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Marco Casazza
- Department of Physic "A. Avogadro", University of Torino, Via P. Giuria 7, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Mery Malandrino
- Department of Physic Chemistry, University of Torino, Via P. Giuria 7, 10125 Torino, Italy.
| | - Valter Maurino
- Department of Physic Chemistry, University of Torino, Via P. Giuria 7, 10125 Torino, Italy.
| | - Angelo Piano
- Department of Physic "A. Avogadro", University of Torino, Via P. Giuria 7, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Schilirò
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
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39
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Alessandria L, Schilirò T, Degan R, Traversi D, Gilli G. Cytotoxic response in human lung epithelial cells and ion characteristics of urban-air particles from Torino, a northern Italian city. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2014; 21:5554-64. [PMID: 24407785 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-2468-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Recently, much attention has been devoted to urban air pollution because epidemiological studies have reported health impacts related to particulate matter (PM). PM10 and PM2.5 were collected during different seasons in Torino, a northern Italian city, and were characterised by inorganic chemical species (secondary particulates and bio-available iron). The biological effects of aqueous and organic solvent PM extracts on human epithelial lung A549 were evaluated, and the effects on cell proliferation and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release were assayed. The average PM10 concentration during the sampling period was 47.9 ± 18.0 μg/m(3); the secondary particles accounted for 49 % ± 9 % of the PM10 total mass, and the bio-available iron concentration was 0.067 ± 0.045 μg/m(3). The PM2.5/PM10 ratio in Torino ranged from 0.47 to 0.90 and was higher in cold months than in warm months. The PM10 and PM2.5 extracts inhibited cell proliferation and induced LDH release in a dose-dependent manner with a seasonal trend. The PM10 extract had a stronger effect on LDH release, whereas the PM2.5 extract more strongly inhibited cell proliferation. No significant differences were observed in the effects induced by the two extracts, and no significant correlations were found between the biological effects and the PM components evaluated in this study, thus emphasising the importance of the entire mixture in inducing a cytotoxic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Alessandria
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia, 94, 10126, Torino, Italy
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40
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Pignata C, D'Angelo D, Basso D, Cavallero MC, Beneventi S, Tartaro D, Meineri V, Gilli G. Low-temperature, low-pressure gas plasma application on Aspergillus brasiliensis, Escherichia coli and pistachios. J Appl Microbiol 2014; 116:1137-48. [PMID: 24443877 DOI: 10.1111/jam.12448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 11/04/2013] [Revised: 12/31/2013] [Accepted: 01/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) treatment on selected bacteria and spores and to contribute to the understanding of the synergistic effect of UV-directed plasma. METHODS AND RESULTS The experiments were conducted on pure cultures of Aspergillus brasiliensis and Escherichia coli and on naturally contaminated pistachios that were exposed to pure oxygen-, pure argon- and to a mixture of oxygen-argon-generated plasma for different treatment times and at different micro-organism concentrations. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) measurements were performed to observe the active species in the plasma. After exposure, the effectiveness of decontamination was assessed through microbiological techniques by calculating the growth reduction on a logarithmic scale. A treatment time of 30 min resulted in a 3·5 log reduction of A. brasiliensis using pure oxygen or argon, while treatment times of 5 min, 1 min and 15 s resulted in a 5·4 log reduction using a mixture of argon and oxygen (10 : 1 v/v). Treatment times of 1 min and 30 s resulted in a 4 log reduction of E. coli with oxygen and argon, respectively, which led to a complete elimination of the micro-organisms. Two-log reductions of fungi were achieved for pistachios after a treatment time of 1 min. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that this newly designed plasma reactor offers good potential applications for the reduction in micro-organisms on heat-sensitive materials, such as foods. The plasma that was generated with Ar/O2 was more effective than that which was generated with pure oxygen and pure argon. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY An improvement in the knowledge about PECVD mechanisms was acquired from the chemical and biological points of view, and the suitability of the method for treating dry food surfaces was demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Pignata
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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41
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Schilirò T, Porfido A, Longo A, Coluccia S, Gilli G. The E-screen test and the MELN gene-reporter assay used for determination of estrogenic activity in fruits and vegetables in relation to pesticide residues. Food Chem Toxicol 2013; 62:82-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2013.07.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Revised: 07/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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42
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Romanazzi V, Schilirò T, Carraro E, Gilli G. Immune response to acetaldehyde-human serum albumin adduct among healthy subjects related to alcohol intake. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol 2013; 36:378-383. [PMID: 23732484 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2013.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 02/26/2013] [Revised: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/05/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Acetaldehyde (AA) is the main metabolic product in ethanol metabolism, although it can also derive from sources of airborne pollution. As a typical aldehyde, AA is able to react with a variety of molecular targets, including DNA and protein. This property justifies the hypothesis of a immune reaction against this kind of adduct, to be studied by a seroprevalence screening approach. In this study, the correlation between drinking habits and the amount of circulating AA-human serum albumin adduct (AA-HSA) was evaluated in a group of healthy subjects, non alcohol-addicted. Daily ethanol intake (grams) was inferred for each subject using the information collected through a questionnaire, and AA-HSA antibodies (AA-HSA ab) analyses were performed using the Displacement Assay on whole blood samples. The findings showed a correlation between ethanol intake and immune response to molecular adduct. These results underscore the evaluation of AA-HSA ab amount as a suitable molecular marker for alcohol intake that can be applied in future investigations on a large scale for prevention screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Romanazzi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, Torino, 10126, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Schilirò
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, Torino, 10126, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Carraro
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, Torino, 10126, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, Torino, 10126, Italy.
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43
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Giuliani F, Bertino E, Oberto M, Di Nicola P, Gilli G, Knight H, Cheikh Ismail L. Implementation of the INTERGROWTH-21st Project in Italy. BJOG 2013; 120 Suppl 2:100-4, v. [PMID: 23841750 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.12124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Turin, Italy, was one of the two European sites for the INTERGROWTH-21(st) Project. The sample for the Newborn Cross-Sectional Study (NCSS) was drawn from two obstetric hospitals that together account for 79% of the city's approximately 12,000 births per year. Women were recruited for the Fetal Growth Longitudinal Study (FGLS) from ten antenatal clinics serving the city's largest obstetric hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera OIRM-S. Anna. Special activities to encourage participation and raise awareness of the project in this population included obtaining an endorsement from the coordinator of the city's antenatal care service, and disseminating information about the project to women through posters and leaflets in antenatal clinics. One of the major challenges at this site was the low recruitment rate in the early phase of FGLS because of the high prevalence of smoking and of women >35 years old in the population. The addition of six extra recruiting clinics served to increase the pool of potentially eligible women who could be screened and led to a marked improvement in the recruitment rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Giuliani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Pediatriche e dell'Adolescenza, SCDU Neonatologia, Università di Torino, Torino, Italy
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44
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Schilirò T, Traversi D, Degan R, Pignata C, Alessandria L, Scozia D, Bono R, Gilli G. Artificial turf football fields: environmental and mutagenicity assessment. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 2013; 64:1-11. [PMID: 23007896 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-012-9792-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2012] [Accepted: 07/26/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The public has recently raised concerns regarding potential human health and environmental risks associated with tire crumb constituents in the artificial turf of football fields. The aim of the present study was to develop an environmental analysis drawing a comparison between artificial turf football fields and urban areas relative to concentrations of particles (PM10 and PM2.5) and related polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), aromatic hydrocarbons (BTXs), and mutagenicity of organic extracts from PM10 and PM2.5. No significant differences were found between PM10 concentrations at an urban site and on a turf football field, both during warm and in cold seasons, either with or without on-field activity. PM2.5 concentrations were significantly greater at the urban site in the cold season as was the ratio of PM2.5 to PM10. BTXs were significantly greater at urban sites than on turf football fields on both on warm and cold days. The ratio of toluene to benzene (T/B ratio) was always comparable with that of normal urban conditions. The concentration of PAHs on the monitored football fields was comparable with urban levels during the two different sampling periods, and the contribution of PAHs released from the granular material was negligible. PM10 organic extract mutagenicity for artificial turf football fields was greater, whereas PM2.5 organic extract mutagenicity was lower, compared with the urban site studied. However, both organic extract mutagenicity values were comparable with the organic extract mutagenicity reported in the literature for urban sites. On the basis of environmental monitoring, artificial turf football fields present no more exposure risks than the rest of the city.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Schilirò
- Department of Public Health and Microbiology, University of Torino, Via Santena, 5bis, 10126, Torino, Italy.
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45
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Traversi D, Villa S, Lorenzi E, Degan R, Gilli G. Application of a real-time qPCR method to measure the methanogen concentration during anaerobic digestion as an indicator of biogas production capacity. J Environ Manage 2012; 111:173-177. [PMID: 22910214 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2012.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2011] [Revised: 07/10/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Biogas is an energy source that is produced via the anaerobic digestion of various organic materials, including waste-water sludge and organic urban wastes. Among the microorganisms involved in digestion, methanogens are the major microbiological group responsible for methane production. To study the microbiological equilibrium in an anaerobic reactor, we detected the methanogen concentration during wet digestion processes fed with pre-treated urban organic waste and waste-water sludge. Two different pre-treatments were used in successive experimental digestions: pressure-extrusion and turbo-mixing. Chemical parameters were collected to describe the process and its production. The method used is based on real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) with the functional gene mcrA as target. First, we evaluated the validity of the analyses. Next, we applied this method to 50 digestate samples and then we performed a statistical analysis. A positive and significant correlation between the biogas production rate and methanogen abundance was observed (r = 0.579, p < 0.001). This correlation holds both when considering all of the collected data and when the two data sets are separated. The pressure-extrusion pre-treatment allowed to obtain the higher methane amount and also the higher methanogen presence (F = 41.190, p < 0.01). Moreover a higher mean methanogen concentration was observed for production rate above than of 0.6 m(3) biogas/kg TVS (F = 7.053; p < 0.05). The applied method is suitable to describe microbiome into the anaerobic reactor, moreover methanogen concentration may have potential for use as a digestion optimisation tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Traversi
- Department of Public Health and Microbiology, University of the Study of Turin, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy.
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46
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Schilirò T, Porfido A, Spina F, Varese GC, Gilli G. Oestrogenic activity of a textile industrial wastewater treatment plant effluent evaluated by the E-screen test and MELN gene-reporter luciferase assay. Sci Total Environ 2012; 432:389-395. [PMID: 22750186 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [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: 03/22/2012] [Revised: 06/04/2012] [Accepted: 06/04/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This study quantified the biological oestrogenic activity in the effluent of a textile industrial wastewater treatment plant (IWWTP) in northwestern Italy. Samples of the IWWTP effluent were collected monthly, both before and after tertiary treatment (ozonation). After solid phase extraction, all samples were subjected to two in vitro tests of total estrogenic activity, the human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7 BUS) proliferation assay, or E-screen test, and the luciferase-transfected human breast cancer cell line (MELN) gene-reporter assay, to measure the 17β-oestradiol equivalent quantity (EEQ). In the E-screen test, the mean EEQ values were 2.35±1.68 ng/L pre-ozonation and 0.72±0.58 ng/L post-ozonation; in the MELN gene-reporter luciferase assay, the mean EEQ values were 4.18±3.54 ng/L pre-ozonation and 2.53±2.48 ng/L post-ozonation. These results suggest that the post-ozonation IWWTP effluent had a lower oestrogenic activity (simple paired t-tests, p<0.05). The average reduction of estrogenic activity of IWWTP effluent after ozonation was 67±26% and 52±27% as measured by E-screen test and MELN gene-reporter luciferase assay, respectively. There was a positive and significant correlation between the two tests (Rho S=0.650, p=0.022). This study indicates that the environmental risk is low because oestrogenic substances are deposited into the river via IWWTP at concentrations lower than those at which chronic exposure has been reported to affect the endocrine system of living organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Schilirò
- Department of Public Health and Microbiology, University of Torino, Via Santena 5bis, 10126 Torino, Italy.
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47
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Bertino E, Coscia A, Arslanoglu S, Cresi F, Sabatino G, Giuliani F, Chiale F, Occhi L, Martano C, Gilli G. Critical appraisal of different anthropometric charts to evaluate postnatal growth of preterm infants. J BIOL REG HOMEOS AG 2012; 26:5-7. [PMID: 23158506] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Preterm infants' survival has greatly increased in the last few decades thanks to the improvement in obstetrical and neonatal care. The correct evaluation of postnatal growth of these babies is nowadays of primary concern, although the definition of their optimal postnatal growth pattern is still controversial. Concerns have also been raised about the strategies to monitor their growth, specifically in relation to the charts used. At present, the charts available in clinical practice are fetal growth charts, neonatal anthropometric charts and postnatal growth charts for term infants. None of these, for different reasons, is suitable to correctly evaluate preterm infant growth. Recently, an international project has recently started aiming to create prescriptive standard for the evaluation of postnatal growth of preterm infants (INTERGROWTH-21st). Alternatively, at present, while specific charts for evaluating preterm infant postnatal growth are lacking, the best compromise is likely to be as follows: from birth to term neonatal anthropometric charts; International longitudinal charts WHO 2006 or CDC 2002 from term to childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bertino
- Neonatal Unit, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
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48
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Bertino E, Coscia A, Occhi L, Di Nicola P, Fabris C, Varalda A, Giuliani F, Sabatino G, Vassia C, Gilli G. Auxological evaluation of newborns. J BIOL REG HOMEOS AG 2012; 26:15-17. [PMID: 23158508] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Auxological evaluation of the newborn should be based on accurate anthropometry at birth and a reliable estimate of gestational age (GA). However, a comprehensive evaluation of the neonate should consider not only anthropometric traits at birth, but also fetal ultrasound biometry and Doppler velocimetry. Many charts have been proposed, but they are hardly comparable with each other, due to numerous methodological problems. The Italian Societies of Neonatology, of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology and the Italian Society of Medical Statistics and Clinical Epidemiology promoted a multicenter survey with the aim to produce an Italian neonatal anthropometric reference (Italian Neonatal Study [INeS] charts) fulfilling the set of the criteria that a reliable neonatal chart should possess. In order to construct an international standard, an international project (INTERGROWTH-21st) has started a study aiming to create a prescriptive standard. Until an international standard is developed, the use of national updated reference charts is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bertino
- Neonatal Unit, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy.
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49
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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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Pignata
- Department of Public Health and Microbiology, University of Torino, Via Santena 5bis, 10126, Torino, Italy.
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50
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Mughini-Gras L, Graziani C, Biorci F, Pavan A, Magliola R, Ricci A, Gilli G, Carraro E, Busani L. Surveillance of acute infectious gastroenteritis (1992–2009) and food-borne disease outbreaks (1996–2009) in Italy, with a focus on the Piedmont and Lombardy regions. Euro Surveill 2012. [DOI: 10.2807/ese.17.08.20098-en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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
We describe trends in the occurrence of acute infectious gastroenteritis (1992 to 2009) and food-borne disease outbreaks (1996 to 2009) in Italy. In 2002, the Piedmont region implemented a surveillance system for early detection and control of food-borne disease outbreaks; in 2004, the Lombardy region implemented a system for surveillance of all notifiable human infectious diseases. Both systems are internet based. We compared the regional figures with the national mean using official notification data provided by the National Infectious Diseases Notification System (SIMI) and the National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), in order to provide additional information about the epidemiology of these diseases in Italy. When compared with the national mean, data from the two regional systems showed a significant increase in notification rates of non-typhoid salmonellosis and infectious diarrhoea other than non-typhoid salmonellosis, but for food-borne disease outbreaks, the increase was not statistically significant. Although the two regional systems have different objectives and structures, they showed improved sensitivity regarding notification of cases of acute infectious gastroenteritis and, to a lesser extent, food-borne disease outbreaks, and thus provide a more complete picture of the epidemiology of these diseases in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Mughini-Gras
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Rome, Italy
| | - C Graziani
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Rome, Italy
| | - F Biorci
- University of Turin, Department of Public Health and Microbiology, Turin, Italy
| | - A Pavan
- General Public Health Directorate, Unit of Prevention and control of Infectious Diseases, Food Safety and Nutrition, Lombardy region, Milan, Italy
| | - R Magliola
- Regional reference centre for surveillance, prevention and control of food-borne diseases, Piedmont region, Turin, Italy
| | - A Ricci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - G Gilli
- University of Turin, Department of Public Health and Microbiology, Turin, Italy
| | - E Carraro
- University of Piemonte Orientale ‘Amedeo Avogadro’, Department of Life Sciences, Alessandria, Italy
| | - L Busani
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Rome, Italy
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