Effects of environmental parameters and their interactions on the spreading of SARS-CoV-2 in North Italy under different social restrictions. A new approach based on multivariate analysis

In 2020 North Italy suffered the SARS-CoV-2-related pandemic with a high number of deaths and hospitalization. The effect of atmospheric parameters on the amount of hospital admissions (temperature, solar radiation, particulate matter, relative humidity and wind speed) is studied through about 8 months (May-December). Two periods are considered depending on different conditions: a) low incidence of COVID-19 and very few regulations concerning personal mobility and protection ("free/summer period"); b) increasing incidence of disease, social restrictions and use of personal protections ("confined/autumn period"). The "hospitalized people in medical area wards/100000 residents" was used as a reliable measure of COVID-19 spreading and load on the sanitary system. We developed a chemometric approach (multiple linear regression analysis) using the daily incidence of hospitalizations as a function of the single independent variables and of their products (interactions). Eight administrative domains were considered (altogether 26 million inhabitants) to account for relatively homogeneous territorial and social conditions. The obtained models very significantly match the daily variation of hospitalizations, during the two periods. Under the confined/autumn period, the effect of non-pharmacologic measures (social distances, personal protection, etc.) possibly attenuates the virus diffusion despite environmental factors. On the contrary, in the free/summer conditions the effects of atmospheric parameters are very significant through all the areas. Particulate matter matches the growth of hospitalizations in areas with low chronic particulate pollution. Fewer hospitalizations strongly correspond to higher temperature and solar radiation. Relative humidity plays the same role, but with a lesser extent. The interaction between solar radiation and high temperature is also highly significant and represents surprising evidence. The solar radiation alone and combined with high temperature exert an anti-SARS-CoV-2 effect, via both the direct inactivation of virions and the stimulation of vitamin D synthesis, improving immune system function.

SARS-CoV-2: lessons from both the history of medicine and from the biological behavior of other well-known viruses

SARS-CoV-2 is the etiological agent of the current pandemic worldwide and its associated disease COVID-19. In this review, we have analyzed SARS-CoV-2 characteristics and those ones of other well-known RNA viruses viz. HIV, HCV and Influenza viruses, collecting their historical data, clinical manifestations and pathogenetic mechanisms. The aim of the work is obtaining useful insights and lessons for a better understanding of SARS-CoV-2. These pathogens present a distinct mode of transmission, as SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza viruses are airborne, whereas HIV and HCV are bloodborne. However, these viruses exhibit some potential similar clinical manifestations and pathogenetic mechanisms and their understanding may contribute to establishing preventive measures and new therapies against SARS-CoV-2.

Association of Multiple Sclerosis with PM 2.5 levels. Further evidence from the highly polluted area of Padua Province, Italy

BACKGROUND

Fifty years of epidemiological survey and intra-regional differences in prevalence suggest that environmental factors may be associated with increased multiple sclerosis (MS) risk in Northern Italy. Based on the findings of a previous study carried out in the highly polluted Padan Plain, we further explored the relationship between PM2.5 levels and MS prevalence by comparing bordering areas characterized by quite different environmental conditions, namely the Municipality of Padua and the special protected zone (SPZ) of the Euganean Hills Regional Park, located 15 km from the City.

METHODS

Three territories were identified; 1) the SPZ, extending over an area of 15.096 hectares and having a total population of 23,980 inhabitants, 2) the urban area of Padua, with a total population of 210,440 inhabitants and repeatedly recognized by the European Invironmental Agency as one of the most polluted Cities of Europe, 3) the Intermediate Zone (IZ), i.e., the area in between the previous two, including part of the urban territories of eight villages adjacent to the SPZ. Demographic and socio-economical data were obtained from official government sources (www.istat.it and www.regione.veneto.it). All Italian MS patients residing in these three areas on December 31, 2018, were registered. PM2.5 concentrations (annual average 1998-2018, μg/m3) were measured by satellite. The correlation between PM2.5 concentrations and MS prevalence was analysed.

RESULTS

MS prevalence was significantly higher in Padua City (265/100.000) compared to both the SPZ of the Euganean Hills Park (160/100,000; p < 0.0001) and the IZ (194.4/100,000). Prevalence strongly associated with the annual average concentration of PM2.5 (r = 0.89 p < 0.00001).

CONCLUSION

In the Province of Padua, one of the most polluted areas of Europe, MS prevalence is strongly associated with PM2.5 exposure. Our findings suggest that air pollutants may be one of the possible environmental risk factors for MS in the Veneto Region of Italy.

PM2.5 levels strongly associate with multiple sclerosis prevalence in the Province of Padua, Veneto Region, North-East Italy

Background:

Incidence and prevalence trends of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Province of Padua, North-East Italy, suggest that environmental factors may be associated with increased MS risk.

Objective:

To investigate the association of PM2.5 with MS prevalence in one of the most polluted geographical area of Italy.

Methods:

In total, 1435 Italian MS patients residing in the Province of Padua were enrolled. The province surface was classified into urban areas, isolated villages, industrialized places, and countryside. Satellite-derived dust-free and sea salt-free PM2.5 concentrations (annual average 1998–2015, μg/m3) allowed the identification of 18 classes of territorial sections with statistically evaluable numbers of inhabitants. Possible correlations between residential locality types, PM2.5 concentrations, and MS prevalence were investigated.

Results:

MS prevalence was significantly ( p < 0.0001) higher in urban areas (ranging from 219 in Padua City to 169/100,000 in other urban areas) compared to isolated villages (116/100,000) or rural domains (109/100,000) and strongly correlated with the annual average concentration of PM2.5 ( r = 0.81, p < 0.001). Regression analysis further associated MS cases with PM.2.5 average concentration ( β = 0.11, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

In the Province of Padua, MS prevalence is strongly associated with PM2.5 exposure suggesting that air pollutants may be one of the possible environmental risk factors for MS.

Effects of redox conditions on the control of arsenic mobility in shallow alluvial aquifers on the Venetian Plain (Italy)

The Venetian Plain is known for the occurrence of areas with high concentrations of arsenic in groundwater (greater than 400 μg/L). The study area represents the typical residential, industrial and agricultural features of most Western countries and is devoid of hydrothermal, volcanic or anthropogenic sources of arsenic. The aim of the study is to model the arsenic mobilization and the water-rock interaction by a complete hydrogeochemical investigation (analyses of filtered and unfiltered groundwater sediment mineralogy and geochemistry). The groundwater arsenic contamination and redox conditions are highly variable. Groundwaters with oxidizing and strongly reducing potentials have much lower arsenic concentrations than do mildly reducing waters. The grain size of the aquifer sediments includes gravels, sands and silty-clays. A continuous range of organic material concentrations is observed (from zero to 40%). The amount of sedimentary organic matter is highly correlated with the arsenic content of the sediments (up to 300 mg/kg), whereas no relationships are detectable between arsenic and other chemical parameters. The occurrence of arsenic minerals was observed as a peculiar feature under the scanning electron microscope. Arsenic and sulfur are the sole constituents of small tufts or thin crystals concentrated in small masses. These arsenic minerals were clearly observed in the peat sediments, in agreement with the geochemical modeling that requires very reducing conditions for their precipitation from the groundwater. The modeling suggests that, under oxidizing conditions, arsenic is adsorbed; moreover, a continuous decrease in the redox potential causes increasing desorption of arsenic. If the reducing conditions become more intense, the formation of As-S minerals would explain the lower concentration of arsenic measured in the strongly reducing groundwater. Even if As-sulfides are rare under low-temperature conditions, the anomalous abundance of reductants (organic matter) can locally stabilize As-S minerals, which can scavenge large quantities of groundwater arsenic.

Mineralogical and morphological investigation of kidney stones of a Mediterranean region (Basilicata, Italy)

Kidney stones are a very frequent finding in southern Italy, but stone analysis is not routinely performed. However, it is an important requirement not only for a successful treatment of this disease, but also for the prophylaxis to prevent any recurrence. We therefore set out to analyze 80 kidney stones collected from Basilicata Region (Southern, Italy). X-ray powder diffraction as well as optical and scanning electron microscopy and petrographic thin section analysis have been applied in order to determine the mineralogical and morphological compositions. The internal structure and the relation between major and minor components have facilitated the classification of the kidney stones according to a detailed scheme. As it is known from other country, calcium oxalate stones were the most frequent (59%) [39% mainly composed of whewellite, CaC₂O₄*H₂O and 29% is mainly made of weddellite, CaC₂O₄*2H₂O]. Uric acid stones were abundant too (18%). Calcium phosphate and cystine stone were less. The results of the observations of kidney stones in thin petrographic sections led to the identification of more cores in the same whewellite kidney stones. In some kidney stones the core is not situated in the central zone, which represents the point of attachment on kidney wall. Basilicata kidney stone prevalence is different from the average prevalence determined in other Mediterranean areas. The comparison showed that calcium oxalate stones seem to be more frequent, and there is a high prevalence of uric acid kidney stones and a lower prevalence of phosphate kidney stones, especially hydroxyapatite. The relative increase frequency of uric acid stones in the northern part of the Region may be due to high-purine diets and softness water consumption.

X-ray microdiffraction and urine: a new analysis method of crystalluria

The qualitative and quantitative analyses of crystalluria have clinical significance in the diagnosis and prognosis of urolithiasis. The aim of this paper is to provide a new accurate methodology to get qualitative and quantitative data on urine particulate in patients with renal stone disease.The procedure involves a urine collection, the separation of the solid residual by centrifugation, and its analysis by X-ray diffraction, utilizing a micro-diffractometer in order to analyze very low amounts of residual. The spectrum obtained was converted into 2 θ -I profiles and quantitatively refined by Rietveld method. The proposed methodology has the advantage to accurately quantify all crystalline phases and the amorphous component of the urine; anyway urine samples have to be centrifuged and analysed as soon as possible, because the quantitative results obtained by the X-ray microdiffraction showed that after some days and at room temperature urine increased significantly both amorphous and crystalline phases.

Identification of organic contaminants in disposable aluminium foil containers

A series of disposable aluminium foil containers designed for cooking and packaging foods and available on the Italian market were investigated. Using different analytical techniques (near infrared (NIR), High Resolution Gas Chromatography (HRGC), gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS)), organic substances used as lubricants in the manufacturing of the containers were detected on the aluminium layer in contact with the food. These contaminants were not mineral hydrocarbon fractions used for the shaping of can lids and bodies, but had an organic structure identifiable as esters derived by synthesis between fatty acids C8 and C10 with glycerine, and between C16 and C18 with butyl alcohol. Mixtures of higher esters were also identified as contaminants. Twelve samples were analysed, and the total amount of contaminant substances was found to range from 900 to 1200 microg dm-2. It is recommended, for safety and compliance with European Community (EC) Regulation No. 1935/2004 (27 October 2004), that the use of aluminium foil containers be subject to appropriate regulation concerning substances adopted for technological purposes.

Chapter 11.6 Clays and Clay Minerals as Drugs

This chapter discusses the applications of clays and clay materials as drugs. Clay minerals are efficient against several aggressors that cause major disorders of the gut. These beneficial effects of clay minerals (on the gastrointestinal mucosa) are associated with two mechanisms of action: (1) adsorption of the aggressors or their toxic secretions and (2) modification of the thickness and rheological properties of the adherent mucus, reinforcing the natural defenses of the gastrointestinal mucosa. At the surface of the gut, a mucus gel adheres to the epithelial cells of the mucosa. This adherent mucus is dynamic, being continuously secreted by the calceiform cells and regularly eroded by environmental aggressors present in the gut lumen. The mucus gel is largely composed of glycoprotein polymers, lipids, and proteins linked together by covalent bonds. It acts as a physical barrier protecting the mucosa against penetration by extraneous molecules and mechanical injury. By maintaining a pH gradient and competing with the epithelial surface for microorganisms, the mucus gel also acts as a chemical barrier.

Fast determination of Sudan I by HPLC/APCI-MS in hot chilli, spices, and oven-baked foods

The Commission Decision of EC dated 20 June 2003, on emergency measures concerning hot chilli and hot chilli products coming into any EC member state, required that the consignments of such products should be accompanied by an analytical report showing that they are free of artificial dye Sudan I. The opportunity to set a confirmatory method is evident, and the paper proposes a HPLC/APCI-MS method useful for identification and quantitation of Sudan I, also at very low levels in hot chilli, other spices, and oven-baked foods. Validation data are reported.

A simplified method for the HPLC resolution of alpha-carotene and beta-carotene (trans and cis) isomers

A new HPLC/DAD (Diode Array Detector) method is proposed for the identification of some carotene isomers. The operating conditions adopted permit the resolution of alpha-carotene, all-trans-beta-carotene, 9-cis-beta-carotene, 13-cis-beta-carotene and 15-cis-beta-carotene. Moreover, the chromatographic conditions reported are simplified in respect of those reported up to now. The method is applied to the determination of carotenoids in a dried Dunaliella salina extract, but it could be also applied to other organic matrices such as eggs.

Carotenoids reduce the chromosomal damage induced by bleomycin in human cultured lymphocytes

The supplementation with beta-carotene and canthaxanthin, two carotenoids with and without pro-vitamin A activity, reduced in vitro the number of micronuclei induced in human cultured lymphocytes by the chemotherapeutic radiomimetic drug bleomycin. The genotoxic activity of this substance is supposed to be mediated by a free radical mechanism. The reduction of micronucleated cells was in correlation with donors' carotenoid blood levels. It has been observed that 20 weeks are needed, following the end of carotenoid supplementation, in order to return to the high levels of micronuclei induced by bleomycin. It is suggested that this protective effect is due to the antioxidant properties of carotenoids acting against free radical-mediated genotoxic damage.

Calcium oxalate smear layer: mineralogical and crystallographic study

Different methods to reduce dentine hypersensitivity have been tested by means of oxalate treatments. Natural material (20 teeth) and commercial oxalates have been employed. As a result the dentinal tubules are filled by small crystals preventing dental disease. Permeability measurements have been performed in order to quantify results. The composition of the synthetic smear layer produced after oxalate treatment have been investigated by powder diffraction method suggesting calcium oxalate formation.

Reduction of chromosomal damage by bleomycin in lymphocytes from subjects supplemented with carotenoids. Relevance in bleomycin tumour chemotherapy. Preliminary results

In a one year-study, 9 healthy human donors were being supplemented with beta-carotene (BC) plus canthaxanthin (CX), to determine the effect of carotenoids on chromosomal damage (micronuclei) induced in the donors' lymphocyte cell cultures by exposure to bleomycin (BLM), an antineoplastic drug that has been shown to produce chromosomal aberrations through the production of free radicals. The first four months monitoring data, including determination of carotenoid blood levels, are here reported. These data show that carotenoid supplementation significantly decrease (up to 50%) the formation of micronuclei induced by BLM in human lymphocyte cell cultures. This decrease is in correlation with carotenoid blood levels.

Effects of propolis flavonoids on virus infectivity and replication

The effect of five propolis flavonoids on the infectivity and replication of some herpesvirus, adenovirus, coronavirus and rotavirus strains has been studied. Experiments were performed in vitro in cell cultures using the viral plaque reduction technique. The cytotoxicity of flavonoids, including chrysine, kaempferol, acacetin, galangin and quercetin, was evaluated on uninfected monolayers to determine their effect on cell growth and viability. Chrysine and kaempferol caused a concentration-dependent reduction of intracellular replication of herpes-virus strains when monolayers were infected and subsequently cultured in a drug-containing medium. However, virus infectivity was not significantly affected. Acacetin and galangin had no effect on either the infectivity or replication of any of the viruses studied. Quercetin reduced infectivity and intracellular replication, but only at the highest concentrations tested.