1
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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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2
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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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3
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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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4
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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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5
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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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6
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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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7
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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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8
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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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9
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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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12
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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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13
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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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14
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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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15
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Affiliation(s)
- O Mehls
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Heidelberg, FRG
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16
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17
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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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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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19
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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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20
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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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21
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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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22
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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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23
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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; 17:20098. [PMID: 22401508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] 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 diarrhea other than non-typhoid salmonellosis, but for foodborne 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 Sanita, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Rome, Italy
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24
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Milani S, Buckler JMH, Kelnar CJH, Benso L, Gilli G, Nicoletti I, Faglia G, Radetti G, Bona G, Schonbeck Y, Van Buuren S, Hermanussen M, Grugni G, Marazzi N, Júlíusson PB, Roelants M, Hoppenbrouwers K, Hauspie R, Bjerknes R, Lejarraga H, Sartorio A. The use of local reference growth charts for clinical use or a universal standard: a balanced appraisal. J Endocrinol Invest 2012; 35:224-6. [PMID: 22490992 DOI: 10.1007/bf03345422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S Milani
- Section of Medical Statistics and Biometry, University of Milan, Italy
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25
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Traversi D, Schilirò T, Degan R, Pignata C, Alessandria L, Gilli G. Involvement of nitro-compounds in the mutagenicity of urban Pm2.5 and Pm10 in Turin. Mutation Research/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis 2011; 726:54-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2011.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2011] [Revised: 07/20/2011] [Accepted: 08/25/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Schilirò T, Gorrasi I, Longo A, Coluccia S, Gilli G. Endocrine disrupting activity in fruits and vegetables evaluated with the E-screen assay in relation to pesticide residues. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2011; 127:139-46. [PMID: 21397020 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2011.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2010] [Revised: 01/25/2011] [Accepted: 03/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Food is likely to be one of the most important routes of human exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). In the present study, we evaluated the total estrogenic activity of fruits and vegetables, which was calculated using the human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7 BUS) proliferation assay (E-screen), in relation to pesticide residues. We analysed 44 food samples, 30 fruits and 14 vegetables. Of these samples, 10 did not contain any pesticide residues. The other 34 samples contained from 1 to 7 pesticide residues in concentrations ranging from 0.03 to 1.91 ppm. Estrogenic activity was detected in the 59% of samples tested. The positive controls used were 17-β-estradiol (E2), the phytoestrogen genistein and the pesticide endosulfan. The average value of estradiol equivalency quantity (EEQ) for all positive samples was 0.15±0.32 μg/100g. A low correlation was found between the concentration of pesticide residues and the EEQ values (Spearman correlation r=0.376 and p=0.012). Using values obtained from the literature, we compared the estrogenic activity of food samples with the intrinsic content of phytoestrogens, but we found no correlations. Our results also suggested that the calculated intake of dietary EDCs might represent a concentration comparable to the normal endogenous estrogen concentration in human blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Schilirò
- Department of Public Health and Microbiology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
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27
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Villar J, Knight HE, de Onis M, Bertino E, Gilli G, Papageorghiou AT, Ismail LC, Barros FC, Bhutta ZA. Conceptual issues related to the construction of prescriptive standards for the evaluation of postnatal growth of preterm infants. Arch Dis Child 2010; 95:1034-8. [PMID: 20371586 DOI: 10.1136/adc.2009.175067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Monitoring and interpreting the growth of preterm infants is a major clinical task for neonatologists. The effectiveness of this process depends upon the robustness of the standard selected. Concerns have been raised regarding the nature of the charts currently being used, as well as their appropriateness for present-day neonatal care. To overcome these problems, there is a need for new prescriptive standards based on a population of preterm infants without evidence of impaired fetal growth and born to low-risk women followed up since early pregnancy for precise gestational age dating. Preterm infants contributing to the new standards should be free of congenital malformations and major clinical conditions associated with impaired postnatal growth. These infants should receive standardised, evidence-based clinical care and should follow current feeding recommendations based on exclusive/predominant breastfeeding. This strategy should provide a population that is conceptually as close as possible to the prescriptive approach used for the construction of the WHO infant and child growth standards. New international standards constructed in this way should contribute to the evidence-based care of these preterm infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Villar
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Oxford Maternal and Perinatal Health Institute, Green Templeton College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Bertino E, Gilli G, Occhi L, Giuliani F, Di Nicola P, Spada E, Fabris C. Postnatal growth of preterm infants: which reference charts? Minerva Pediatr 2010; 62:71-74. [PMID: 21089723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Preterm Infants' survival has greatly increased in the last few decades thanks to the improvement in obstetrical and neonatal care. These neonates constitute the large majority of the population in neonatal intensive care units. 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 available charts 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. An international multicentric project has recently started a study aiming at building a prescriptive standard for the evaluation of postnatal growth of preterm infants and it will be available in the next years. At present, while an international longitudinal standard for evaluating preterm infant postnatal growth is lacking, in Italy the best compromise in clinical practice is likely to be as follows: new Italian INeS (Italian Neonatal Study) charts up to term; International longitudinal charts WHO 2006 or CDC 2002 from term to two years; finally, the Italian Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (SIEDP) 2006 growth charts could be suitable for monitoring the growth of these infants from two years up to 20 years of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bertino
- SCDUNeonatologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Pediatriche, Università degli Studi di Torino, Italy
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Traversi D, Alessandria L, Schilirò T, Chiadò Piat S, Gilli G. Meteo-climatic conditions influence the contribution of endotoxins to PM10 in an urban polluted environment. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 12:484-90. [PMID: 20145891 DOI: 10.1039/b913314c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A decrease in inhalable particulate matter (PM10) pollution is a top priority in urban areas of northern Italy. The sources of PM10 are both anthropogenic and natural. The former have been broadly investigated while the latter are less well known. Endotoxins are natural compounds of PM10 and are potentially toxic. Endotoxins are part of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. Their health effects are linked to environmental exposure. The effects mainly consist of respiratory symptoms, including pulmonary function decline. The occurrence of endotoxins has been proven in several occupational environments where organic materials supply an optimal substrate for bacteria growth. Knowledge about the presence of these contaminants in the environment is limited. The aim of this work is to evaluate the endotoxin levels of PM10 in the urban air of Turin, and to investigate the influence of seasonal and meteo-climatic factors. The sampling was conducted from January to December 2007. Endotoxin determination was performed by an LAL assay after extraction optimization. The PM10 levels ranged from 11.90 to 104.74 microg/m(3) (48.28 +/- 23.09) while the endotoxin levels ranged between 0.09 and 0.94 EU/m(3) (0.42 +/- 0.23). The seasonal trends of PM10 and endotoxin are inversely proportional. There is a statistically significant correlation between endotoxin and temperature (r = 0.532 p < 0.01), as well as between endotoxin and relative humidity (r = -0.457 p < 0.01). However, temperature has a predominant role. We observed that urban endotoxin concentrations are narrow in range and that the contribution of endotoxins to the total PM10 is only two millionths.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Traversi
- Department of Public Health and Microbiology, University of Turin, via Santena 5 bis 10126, Turin, Italy.
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Bononi A, Lanza F, Ferrari L, Gusella M, Gilli G, Abbasciano V, Campioni D, Russo A, Menon D, Albertini F, Stievano L, Barile C, Crepaldi G, Toso S, Ferrazzi E, Pasini F. Predictive value of hematological and phenotypical parameters on postchemotherapy leukocyte recovery. Cytometry 2009; 76:328-33. [DOI: 10.1002/cyto.b.20476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Bonetta S, Carraro E, Bonetta S, Pignata C, Pavan I, Romano C, Gilli G. Application of semipermeable membrane device (SPMD) to assess air genotoxicity in an occupational environment. Chemosphere 2009; 75:1446-1452. [PMID: 19289247 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2009.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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: 08/25/2008] [Revised: 02/13/2009] [Accepted: 02/15/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Semipermeable membrane device (SPMD) is a passive sampler that sequesters lipophilic contaminants, mimicking the bioconcentration in the fatty tissue of organisms. This study was designed to assess the use of SPMD and biological tests (Comet assay and Ames test) for air monitoring. For this purpose an occupational environment with expected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contamination (coke plant) was selected for a case study. The SPMDs were deployed in five occupational contaminated sites and in a control site. The SPMD dialysates were chemically analysed and examined for in vitro DNA-damaging activity in human cells (Jurkat) by Comet assay and for mutagenicity with the Ames test (TA98 strain, w/o S9). Total suspended particulates were also collected and analysed (GC-MS). No biological effect of SPMD extract was revealed in the control site. On the other hand, air samples collected with SPMDs within the coke plant showed variable degrees of genotoxic and mutagenic activity. The highest effects were associated with the highest PAH level recovered in the SPMDs extracts and in particulate samples. Results obtained support the sensitivity of biological tests associated to SPMD sampling for evaluating the health risk of potentially contaminated work environments highlighting the usefulness of SPMDs for environmental air quality monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sa Bonetta
- Department of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale A. Avogadro, Via Bellini 25/G, 15100 Alessandria, Italy.
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Capuzzo M, Scaramuzza A, Vaccarini B, Gilli G, Zannoli S, Farabegoli L, Felisatti G, Davanzo E, Alvisi R. Validation of SAPS 3 Admission Score and comparison with SAPS II. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2009; 53:589-94. [PMID: 19419351 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-6576.2009.01929.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to validate the Simplified Acute Physiology Score SAPS 3 Admission Score (SAPS 3) and to compare its fit with that of SAPS II in an independent sample of patients admitted to a single-centre intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS The data for all adult patients consecutively admitted to an eight-bed ICU of a 700-bed university hospital between 1 January 2006 and 2 September 2007 were collected. SAPS II and SAPS 3 were computed, as well as the predicted hospital mortality. The calibration of SAPS II and SAPS 3, according to the general equation (GE), and equations for Southern Europe and Mediterranean countries (SE&MC), and Central and Western Europe (C&WE), were assessed by the goodness-of-fit Hosmer-Lemeshow H and C statistics. Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were computed for SAPS II and SAPS 3 equations. RESULTS Six hundred and eighty-four patients were studied (males 63%). The median age was 73 (quartiles 65-80) years. The fit of SAPS 3 using the C&WE equation (H 13.49, P=0.095; C 12.73, P=0.121) as well as that of SAPS II was acceptable (H 6.02, P=0.644; C12.08, P=0.147), while SAPS 3 GE (H 23.36, P=0.002; C 22.37, P=0.004) and S&MC (H 25.73, P=0.001; C 26.19, P=0.001) did not fit well. SAPS 3 GE, SAPS 3 SE&M Countries and the SAPS II significantly over estimated the mortality. Only 95% CI of SMR for SAPS 3 C&WE included 1 (SMR 0.97; 95% CI 0.89-1.05). CONCLUSION Each ICU should identify the SAPS 3 equation most suitable for its case mix. The SAPS II model tended to overestimate the mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Capuzzo
- Surgical, Anaesthetic and Radiological Sciences, Section of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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Gilli G, López-Valverde MA, Drossart P, Piccioni G, Erard S, Cardesín Moinelo A. Limb observations of CO2and CO non-LTE emissions in the Venus atmosphere by VIRTIS/Venus Express. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1029/2008je003112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Bicchi C, Schilirò T, Pignata C, Fea E, Cordero C, Canale F, Gilli G. Analysis of environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals using the E-screen method and stir bar sorptive extraction in wastewater treatment plant effluents. Sci Total Environ 2009; 407:1842-1851. [PMID: 19101021 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.11.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2008] [Revised: 11/12/2008] [Accepted: 11/16/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have become a major issue in the field of environmental science due to their ability to interfere with the endocrine system. Recent studies show that surface water is contaminated with EDCs, many released from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). This pilot study used biological (E-screen assay) and chemical (stir bar sorptive extraction-GC-MS) analyses to quantify estrogenic activity in effluent water samples from a municipal WWTP and in water samples of the recipient river, upstream and downstream of the plant. The E-screen assay was performed on samples after solid phase extraction (SPE) to determine total estrogenic activity; the presence of estrogenic substances can be evaluated by measuring the 17-beta-estradiol equivalency quantity (EEQ). Untreated samples were also assayed with an acute toxicity test (Vibrio fischeri) to study the correlation between toxicity and estrogenic disruption activity. Mean EEQs were 4.7 ng/L (+/-2.7 ng/L) upstream and 4.4 ng/L (+/-3.7 ng/L) downstream of the plant, and 11.1 ng/L (+/-11.7 ng/L) in the effluent. In general the WWTP effluent had little impact on estrogenicity nor on the concentration of EDCs in the river water. The samples upstream and downstream of the plant were non-toxic or weakly toxic (0<TU<0.9) while the effluent was weakly toxic or toxic (0.4<TU<7.6). Toxicity and estrogenic activity were not correlated. At most sites, industrial mimics, such as the alkylphenols and phthalates, were present in higher concentrations than natural hormones. Although the concentrations of the detected xenoestrogens were generally higher than those of the steroids, they accounted for only a small fraction of the EEQ because of their low estrogenic potency. The EEQs resulting from the E-screen assay and those calculated from the results of chemical analyses using estradiol equivalency factors were comparable for all samples and closely correlated.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Bicchi
- Department of Scienza e Tecnologia del Farmaco, University of Torino, Italy, via P. Giuria 9, 10125, Torino, Italy
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Gilli G, Traversi D, Rovere R, Pignata C, Schilirò T. Chemical characteristics and mutagenic activity of PM10 in Torino, a northern Italian city. Sci Total Environ 2007; 385:97-107. [PMID: 17698169 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2007.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2006] [Revised: 04/23/2007] [Accepted: 07/03/2007] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies of particulate matter (PM) have associated PM mass, as well as certain individual components of PM such as secondary particulate with adverse human health effects. For example genotoxic effects attributed to PM may relate to the content of organic compounds but also to the oxidative DNA damage generated by transition metals like iron. However the exact physiochemical mechanism by which PM produces adverse effects is not clear. The aims of this study were to evaluate (1) concentrations of PM10, (2) amounts of bioavailable iron associated with PM10, (3) amounts of secondary particulate expressed as SO4(=) and NO3(-) and (4) the mutagenic activities of PM10 organic extracts. Sampling was carried out in a meteochemical station located in Torino, a northern Italian city with high levels of PM10. The mean PM10 concentration in the considered period was 46.1+/-28.8 microg/m3, the iron mean concentration was 0.83 microg/m3 (+/-0.65 microg/m3) and the bioavailable Fe was 5.7% (+/-4.4%). The data showed that secondary particulate matter (as sum of sulfates and nitrates) constituted about 47% of PM10 total mass. Both iron and secondary species concentrations were positively associated with PM10 levels. Seasonal variations of PM10 concentration, iron level and secondary species amount were significant. Samples were tested for mutagenicity with Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100, with and without metabolic activation and a positive response was observed especially for TA98. There were positive statistical associations between mutagenicity and PM10, bioavailable iron, sulfates and nitrates concentrations. Therefore, these results showed the usefulness of this biological approach for monitoring PM10.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Microbiology, University of Torino, Via Santena, 5bis-10126 Torino, Italy
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Bono R, Piccioni P, Traversi D, Degan R, Grosa M, Bosello G, Gilli G, Arossa W, Bugiani M. Urban air quality and carboxyhemoglobin levels in a group of traffic policemen. Science of The Total Environment 2007; 376:109-15. [PMID: 17324451 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2007.01.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2006] [Revised: 01/18/2007] [Accepted: 01/23/2007] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Toxicological potential of carbon monoxide (CO) on humans is well known. Nevertheless, CO is still considered as a useful marker to detect some environmental and occupational human risk factors typical of cities. The role played by traffic pollution, indoor air quality in offices and tobacco smoke on the expression of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb%) levels was investigated in a large group of traffic policemen in Torino city (North-Western Italy). At the end of the working shift, 228 policemen responded to a questionnaire, weight and height recorded, urine spot samples collected to measure cotinine as biomarker of tobacco smoke exposure, and an arterial blood sample was taken to measure COHb levels. Data of outdoor urban air-CO were collected and to each subject a "CO outdoor air measurement" was related to his/her COHb level. Considering the annual trend of air-CO pollution from 2002 to 2004, one can assume that a general improvement of air quality in Torino was evident. Taking into account the environments where policemen work (urban outdoor and indoor), and analyzing their COHb% content, the traffic-congested areas, and, in general, the outdoor urban environment were equally risky as offices. Furthermore, if compared to CO arising from traffic-congested areas or other outdoor environments, the traffic policemen in Torino city demonstrate COHb% levels largely due to smoking habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Bono
- Department of Public Health and Microbiology, University of Torino, via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Torino, Italy.
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Gilli G, Pignata C, Schilirò T, Bono R, La Rosa A, Traversi D. The mutagenic hazards of environmental PM2.5 in Turin. Environ Res 2007; 103:168-75. [PMID: 17007834 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2006.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2006] [Revised: 07/27/2006] [Accepted: 08/03/2006] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Owing to the large number of natural and anthropogenic sources, particulate matter (PM) may present several physical and chemical patterns in different areas. The finer PM2.5 fraction, which is now widely but not routinely measured in Europe, is considered to be the alveolar fraction of the ambient particles. Annual and winter mean concentrations of PM2.5 substantially vary in Europe, with higher concentrations in the South. The aims of this work were to (a) measure the PM2.5 levels in Turin over a long period, (b) evaluate mutagenic activities of organic extracts containing this collected complex mixture using the Ames test and (c) determine the level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in order to identify important mutagens in ambient air. Sampling was carried out from November 2001 to December 2004. The monthly mean of PM2.5 was 48.76+/-24.12 microg/m3. From the beginning to the end of the sample period there was a decrease in gravimetric levels, with annual means of 54.10+/-29.77 microg/m3 in 2002; 42.48+/-15.73 microg/m3 in 2003 and 45.89+/-24.92 microg/m3 in 2004. Samples were tested for mutagenicity using Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100, with and without S9 mix metabolic activation. A positive genotoxic response was observed for TA98, with and without metabolic activation. The measured PAHs monthly mean level was 8.24+/-6.30 ng/m3, with values ranging from 0.20 to 21.38 ng/m3 Seasonal variation of gravimetric, mutagenic and PAH values was significant. The Salmonella assay results statistically correlated to PM2.5 and PAHs levels, but sometimes the mutagenic potencies were rather different despite an equal concentration of pollutant. The results confirm the usefulness of this biological approach to detect genotoxic properties of sampled PM2.5 and they show the variability of the mutagenic properties of the airborne mixture over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Microbiology, University of Turin, via Santena 5 bis, 10126, Turin, Italy.
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Gilli G, Traversi D, Rovere R, Pignata C, Schilirò T. Airborne particulate matter: Ionic species role in different Italian sites. Environ Res 2007; 103:1-8. [PMID: 16889767 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2006.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2005] [Revised: 05/17/2006] [Accepted: 06/20/2006] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have provided evidences for an association between exposure to elevated levels of ambient particulate matter (PM) and increased mortality and morbidity. However, the exact physiochemical nature of the responsible component is not clear. Secondary airborne PM formed from gas-phase pollutants contributes significantly to the most severe particulate air quality events. Although chemical formation for ionic species of aerosol have been observed, they have not been well reported for local variation. This work evaluates the amount of secondary particulate ionic species: sulfates (SO(4)(2-)) and nitrates (NO(3)(-)), chlorides (Cl(-)) and the mutagenic activities of PM10 extracts in different Italian sites (one Southern, one Central and three Northern; in one of the latter also PM2.5 has been evaluated). In general, mean secondary species concentration constitutes about 35-45% of PM10 mass in the North sites, 15% in the center site and 20% in the South site and it is positively associated with PM10 levels. There are significant local differences in the mean levels of PM10 ionic constituents: NO(3)(-) are predominant in northern cities, SO(4)(2-) are more equally distributed and coastal southern city is abundant in Cl(-). Samples were also tested for mutagenicity with Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100, with and without metabolic activation; mutagenicity did not correlate with PM10 concentrations. The results showed the important roles and the geographical variability of PM secondary species in the total mass PM10 concentrations and the usefulness of this biological approach for monitoring PM to understand hazards from PM.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Microbiology, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Torino, Italy
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Gilli G. Modern hydrogen bonding theory. Acta Crystallogr A 2006. [DOI: 10.1107/s0108767306099946] [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: 11/10/2022] Open
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Gilli G, Schilirò T, Pignata C, Traversi D, Carraro E, Baiocchi C, Aigotti R, Giacosa D, Fea E. Application of semipermeable membrane device for assessing toxicity in drinking water. Chemosphere 2005; 61:1691-9. [PMID: 15893797 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2005.03.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2004] [Revised: 03/14/2005] [Accepted: 03/23/2005] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) mimic passive diffusive transport of bioavailable hydrophobic organic compounds through biological membranes and their partitioning between lipids and environmental levels. Our study was developed on a surface water treatment plant based in Turin, Northern Italy. The investigated plant treats Po River surface water and it supplies about 20% of the drinking water required by Turin city (about one million inhabitants). Surface water (input) and drinking water (output) were monitored with SPMDs from October 2001 to January 2004, over a period of 30 days. The contaminant residues, monthly extracted from SPMDs by dialysis in organic solvent, were tested with the Microtox acute toxic test and with the Ames mutagenicity test. Same extracts were also analyzed with gas chromatography--mass spectrometry technique in order to characterise the organic pollutants sampled, especially Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). Although the PAHs mean concentration is about one hundred times lower in the output samples, the mean toxic units are similar in drinking and surface water. Our data indicate that the SPMD is a suitable tool to assess the possible toxicity in drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Microbiology, University of Turin, Via Santena, 5bis, 10126 Turin, Italy.
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Gilli P, Bertolasi V, Ferretti V, Gilli G. The nature of the HB. 3. Towards a comprehensive HB theory. Acta Crystallogr A 2005. [DOI: 10.1107/s0108767305099162] [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: 11/10/2022] Open
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42
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Pretto L, Gilli P, Ferretti V, Gilli G. The nature of the HB. 2. Predicting HB strength by the pKa slide rule. Acta Crystallogr A 2005. [DOI: 10.1107/s0108767305085582] [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: 11/10/2022] Open
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43
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Gilli G, Ferretti V, Bertolasi V, Gilli P. The nature of the HB. 1. HB empirical rules from crystal structure correlations. Acta Crystallogr A 2005. [DOI: 10.1107/s0108767305085594] [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: 11/10/2022] Open
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Carrer S, Bocchi A, Bortolotti M, Braga N, Gilli G, Candini M, Tartari S. Effect of different sterile barrier precautions and central venous catheter dressing on the skin colonization around the insertion site. Minerva Anestesiol 2005; 71:197-206. [PMID: 15834348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
AIM The purpose of this prospective, randomized, controlled study was the comparison of maximal sterile barrier (consisting of mask, cap, sterile gloves, gown, large drape) vs control precautions (mask, cap, sterile gloves, small drape) and of transparent polyurethan film vs gauze dressing for use on central venous (CVC) nontunneled catheters, inserted via the jugular vein. Skin colonization at the insertion site (defined by quantitative skin cultures performed at the time of insertion and in days 2 and 5) was used as a primary endpoint. Catheter tip colonization was also assessed through qualitative culture and CVC related sepsis was defined by the isolation of the same organism from the catheter tip and the blood, with clinical sepsis of no other apparent source. METHODS Eighty-two consecutive patients were enrolled, admitted to a mixed medical-surgical ICU, aged 72+/-12 years, 58% male, SAPS II 42+/-13. One-hundred and seven CVCs were studied (presenting 750 catheter in situ days); CVCs were in place for a mean period of 6.9+/-4.7 days and 5 episodes of central catheter-related bloodstream infection were detected (6.6 per 1000 catheter days). RESULTS A multiple logistic regression detected an increased risk of skin colonization in male gender (OR=2.5) and control precautions (OR=3.4) and no difference with regard to age, dressing and diagnostic group. CONCLUSIONS Maximal sterile barrier proved to be an effective and recommended practice. However surveillance skin cultures revealed the common and changing nature of colonization of skin at the insertion site.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Carrer
- Anesthesia and Resuscitation Unit, San Luca Hospital, 45027 Trecenta, (Rovigo), Italy
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45
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Schiliró T, Pignata C, Fea E, Gilli G. Toxicity and estrogenic activity of a wastewater treatment plant in Northern Italy. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 2004; 47:456-462. [PMID: 15499495 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-003-0153-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Many xenobiotics, widely diffused in the environment, have the potential to disrupt the delicate endocrine system balance of wildlife and humans. Substances showing hormone-like actions in living organisms are defined endocrine-disruptor chemicals and they may mimic, block, or interfere with the synthesis, release, transport, elimination, and binding of natural hormones. Different ecotoxicologic studies were applied to screen for the discharge of estrogenic and toxic substances into the aquatic environment from a small industrial wastewater treatment plant based in Northern Italy. Samples of wastewater (3 L) were taken at three different periods during the year from different points of the plant's process: three phases of treatment, and effluent. Untreated samples (1 L) were assayed with two toxicity tests: Microtox and Daphnia magna. A simplified proliferation test using human estrogen receptor-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells (E-screen assay) was performed on 2-L samples after solid-phase extraction for the determination of total estrogenic activity; the presence of estrogenic substances was evaluated by measuring the proliferation rate in cells exposed to samples. The results of the Microtox assay employing the marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri were compared with data obtained from whole-effluent toxicity testing methods employing D. magna. Toxicity was found only for the influent point. The proliferative effect of the five points, relative to the positive control 17beta-estradiol (relative proliferation effect), was between 2.4% and 39%, and the 17beta-estradiol equivalent concentrations were between 0.06 and 3.94 ng/L. A first comparison between results from toxicity load and estrogenic activity was performed. At all process points, the effluent samples were considered acceptable (taking only toxicity into account), but we demonstrated that they had estrogenic activity in the river water indicating an input of estrogenic substances by way of the treatment plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Schiliró
- Department of Public Health and Microbiology, University of Turin, Via Santena 5 Bis, 10126, Italy
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46
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Gilli P, Pretto L, Gilli G. Smart HBs in the design of crystals, molecular devices and functional materials. Acta Crystallogr A 2004. [DOI: 10.1107/s0108767304098721] [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: 11/10/2022] Open
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47
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Gilli G, Fracchia S. [Strategic significance of water sources and risk management]. Ann Ig 2003; 15:11-4. [PMID: 14677252] [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: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Water quality and its availability is a current and urgent issue. In fact, water is a unique natural resource, but its availability is limited. The paper presents data on its availability and usage. Its quality is of particular concern for safeguarding public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gilli
- Dip. di Sanità Pubblica e Microbiologia, Università degli Studi di Torino
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Abstract
Cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome (CACS) is a combination of anorexia, tissue wasting, weight loss and poor performance status. Some CACS symptoms are due to a macrophage production of TNF and IL-1, while the metabolic effects are mainly explained by the release of IL-6 from tumor cells. Clinical treatment of CACS involves progestational agents (medroxyprogesterone acetate, MPA, megestrol acetate, MA) for long term treatment. The use of prokinetic agents (like metoclopramide) is recommended, especially if patients need concomitant opioid treatment for pain; if otherwise indicated, corticosteroids are useful for short periods. The administration of artificial nutrition should be individualized following the clinical condition of the patient and possibly taking into account the wishes of the patient. The practical evaluation criteria of the drugs employed for CACS are based on weight increase and appetite stimulation. Hence, a new approach to the mechanism of action of MPA, MA and of other agents is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Lelli
- Clinical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Ferrara, Italy.
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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. Clin Nutr 2002; 21:281-8. [PMID: 12135587 DOI: 10.1054/clnu.2002.0560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) in patients with advanced cancer is controversial because survival is usually short and there are no data regarding the quality of life (QoL). METHODS Sixty-nine advanced cancer patients enrolled in a program of HPN in six different Italian centers were prospectively studied as regards nutritional status (body weight, serum albumin, serum transferrin and total lymphocyte count), length of survival and QoL through the Rotterdam Symptom Checklist questionnaire. These variables were collected at the start of HPN and then at monthly intervals. All these patients were severely malnourished, almost aphagic and beyond any possibility of cure. RESULTS Nutritional indices maintained stable until death. Median survival was 4 months (range 1-14) and about one-third of patients survived more than 7 months. QoL parameters remained stable till 2-3 months before death. CONCLUSIONS HPN may benefit a limited percentage of patients who may survive longer than the time allowed by a condition of starvation and depletion. Provided that these patients survive longer than 3 months, there is some evidence that QoL remains stable for some months and acceptable for the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Bozzetti
- Italian Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, Milan, Italy
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50
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Burren CP, Woods KA, Rose SJ, Tauber M, Price DA, Heinrich U, Gilli G, Razzaghy-Azar M, Al-Ashwal A, Crock PA, Rochiccioli P, Yordam N, Ranke MB, Chatelain PG, Preece MA, Rosenfeld RG, Savage MO. Clinical and endocrine characteristics in atypical and classical growth hormone insensitivity syndrome. Horm Res 2002; 55:125-30. [PMID: 11549873 DOI: 10.1159/000049983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Classical growth hormone insensitivity syndrome (GHIS) comprises a dysmorphic phenotype, extreme short stature (height SDS < 3), normal GH and low IGF-I and IGFBP-3. Wide clinical variation is recognised with classical and atypical forms. We aimed to delineate features of the milder "atypical" GHIS phenotype, and to determine whether this correlates with milder auxological and biochemical features. METHODS Fifty-nine patients from a European series of 82 patients with GHIS, with strict diagnostic criteria of GHIS, were studied and assigned to classical or atypical GHIS groups according to facial phenotype, i.e. "classical" required 2 of 3 recognized GHIS features (frontal bossing, mid-facial hypoplasia and depressed nasal bridge), "atypical" required 0 or 1 of these facial features. Classical and atypical GHIS groups were compared in terms of (1) phenotypic features, including high-pitched voice, sparse hair, blue sclera, hypoglycaemia, microphallus, (2) birth length, height SDS, and (3) basal IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-3, GHBP and increase in IGF-I on IGF-I generation testing. RESULTS Fifty patients [24 males, 26 females, aged 8.6 +/- 4.6 years (mean +/- SD)] had "classical GHIS", 9 patients (7 males, 2 females, aged 7.8 +/- 4.1 years) had "atypical GHIS", 7 with normal facies. Atypical GHIS patients had lesser height deficit (Ht SDS -4.0 +/- 1.4) compared to classical GHIS (-6.7 +/- 1.4), less reduction in IGFBP-3 SDS (atypical -5.5 +/- 3.3; classical -8.6 +/- 2.4), and more had normal GHBP (>10% binding). Other variables were also less frequent in atypical GHIS patients: high-pitched voice 11% (70% classical), sparse hair 11% (42% classical), blue sclera 0% (38% classical), hypoglycaemia 11% (42% classical), and microphallus 14% (1 of 7 males), compared to 79% of classical (19 of 24 males). CONCLUSIONS Atypical GHIS patients, with relatively normal facial appearance, demonstrate less height defect and biochemical abnormalities compared to classical patients. GH insensitivity may be present in children with short stature and an otherwise normal appearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- C P Burren
- Paediatric Section, Dept. of Endocrinology, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London EC1A 7BE, UK
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