Search

Recently, much attention has been devoted to urban air pollution because epidemiological studies have reported health impacts related to particulate matter (PM). PM10 and PM2.5 were collected during different seasons in Torino, a northern Italian city, and were characterised by inorganic chemical species (secondary particulates and bio-available iron). The biological effects of aqueous and organic solvent PM extracts on human epithelial lung A549 were evaluated, and the effects on cell proliferation and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release were assayed. The average PM10 concentration during the sampling period was 47.9 ± 18.0 μg/m; the secondary particles accounted for 49 % ± 9 % of the PM10 total mass, and the bio-available iron concentration was 0.067 ± 0.045 μg/m. The PM2.5/PM10 ratio in Torino ranged from 0.47 to 0.90 and was higher in cold months than in warm months. The PM10 and PM2.5 extracts inhibited cell proliferation and induced LDH release in a dose-dependent manner with a seasonal trend. The PM10 extract had a stronger effect on LDH release, whereas the PM2.5 extract more strongly inhibited cell proliferation. No significant differences were observed in the effects induced by the two extracts, and no significant correlations were found between the biological effects and the PM components evaluated in this study, thus emphasising the importance of the entire mixture in inducing a cytotoxic response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: PM2.5 is one of the most important aspects of environmental health. This air pollutant is breathable and it is implicated in several chronic adverse health effects such as the decrease of respiratory functionality and cancer. Several in vitro bioassays are able to predict the mutagenic/carcinogenic activity of the environmental pollutants and mixtures of them. In this study PM2.5 air pollution was daily monitored in three cities located in the Northern part of Italy and the mutagenic properties of the PM2.5 organic extracts were also assessed. Samplings lasted 14 months and cover the period of the Winter Olympic Games of “Torino 2006”. In this work, the levels of PM2.5, its mutagenic properties (detected with Salmonella typhimurium assay), the role of the Olympic Games as environmental factor and some meteorological data are discussed. The mean concentration of PM2.5 measured in Torino was 45.4 (±30.6) µg/m3, in Pavia 37.6 (±25.6) µg/m3, in Verona 43.1 (±28.5) µg/m3. Findings of the monthly pool bioassay were in Torino 107 (±104) net revertans/m3, in Pavia 108 (±89) net revertans/m3, in Verona 128 (±109) net revertans/m3. The Olympic Games period data show that PM2.5 pollution and its load of mutagenic potential are different and partially independent phenomena. The Olympic Games had not a great impact on the PM2.5 pollution. The exclusive PM2.5 gravimetric analysis shows a potential human risk if compared with the latest international guide values but it does not describe exhaustively the human health risk associated to the presence of this particular air pollutant. Moreover, the chemical and biological activity qualification of the PM organic extracts as a whole, can instead improve the knowledge. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The finest fraction of Particulate Matter (PM2.5) carries a large number of pollutants, some of which are assessed as genotoxic, such as some Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). In many countries, PM2.5 in combination with some PAHs are monitored to assess the concentrations of pollutants, while the air quality is rarely assessed by means of biological assays. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a significant correlation between these two pollutants and human adverse effects, in particular on the respiratory system. Nevertheless, other air pollutants can induce a biological effect and the cumulative effect of the PM2.5 complex mixture may not be easily deduced by PM2.5 and PAH levels. This study aimed to combine the legislative monitoring of PM2.5 with the study of its mutagenicity. During a full year, daily air samples were collected in nine sites of the North-western Italy air quality monitoring network (Piedmont Region) and PM2.5 and PAH concentrations were assessed. Monthly pooled organic extracts were tested with the Salmonella assay using TA98 and TA100 strains, with and without metabolic activation (±S9), and using TA98NR and YG1021 strains. In all sites, a positive response was observed for TA98 and TA100 especially without S9. A significant mutagenic seasonal variation was detected, with higher mutagenicity in winter and lower responses in summer (average total mutagenicity ratio 27:1). The response of TA98NR and YG1021 compared with TA98 suggested a significant contribution of nitro-compounds to the mutagenicity. No significant differences were found between urban background and rural sites denoting the spread of pollution. A mutagenicity increase, 1.28 Total Mutagenicity Factor/20 m3, was observed for each PM2.5 μg increment. PAH levels and corresponding Toxic Equivalent Factors were highly correlated to mutagenicity results. This work confirms that complex environmental mixtures can be appropriately assessed through the implementation of physical-chemical analyzes with bioassays able to evaluate synergistic and antagonistic effects, especially for highest and lowest pollution settings. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of high-throughput omics technologies represents an unmissable opportunity for evidence-based prevention of adverse effects on human health. However, the applicability and access to multi-omics tests are limited. In Italy, this is due to the rapid increase of knowledge and the high levels of skill and economic investment initially necessary. The fields of human genetics and public health have highlighted the relevance of an implementation strategy at a national level in Italy, including integration in sanitary regulations and governance instruments. In this review, the emerging field of public health genomics is discussed, including the polygenic scores approach, epigenetic modulation, nutrigenomics, and microbiomes implications. Moreover, the Italian state of implementation is presented. The omics sciences have important implications for the prevention of both communicable and noncommunicable diseases, especially because they can be used to assess the health status during the whole course of life. An effective population health gain is possible if omics tools are implemented for each person after a preliminary assessment of effectiveness in the medium to long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioaerosols lead to human health diseases and composting plants are one of the main sources among human activities. In this study, a survey was conducted on such plants to evaluate bioaerosol risk management. A questionnaire was used to collect information on plant location, process types, collective and personal protective equipment, bioaerosol and particulate matter monitoring data, and occupational surveillance. We examined the data produced by 11 plants located in Italy. Self-control bioaerosol monitoring showed a global contamination index mean of 9908 CFU/m3 underlining a higher concentration (a) in plants with only aerobic process (CPs) with respect to plants that also combined anaerobic treatment of the waste (ADCPs) (p < 0.05) and (b) in facilities with biocells with respect to windrows (p < 0.01). Workers are generally more exposed when working without vehicles. Some areas such as pre-treatment and screening are more prone to higher bioaerosol concentrations, requiring more efficient collective protective equipment. Particulate matter monitoring showed concentration in line with occupational exposure limits for inhalable dust (1862 ± 1729 µg/m3) and breathable dust (276 ± 126 µg/m3), however, organic particle exposure risk assessment has to be carefully reviewed. Improvements in the training program, process design, and health surveillance are desirable as major preventive tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Mass gatherings require attention toward planning and execution of dedicated medical care. Objectives: The aims were to describe the organization and provision of medical care in the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games in light of the epidemiology of illnesses and injuries among athletes during this event. Methods: The organization integrated 18 medical centers operating at Olympic venues, three polyclinics inside the Olympic Villages, and 13 pre-existing Olympic Hospitals. The design was a retrospective study, with review of medical records at Olympic medical facilities. All the athletes who attended any medical center or polyclinic were eligible. The main outcomes included type of injuries and illnesses affecting athletes, incidence of injuries and illnesses by provenance and discipline, and rate of hospital admissions. Results: A total of 330 athletes received medical care and 676 medical encounter forms were documented, with an overall medical utilization rate of 12.66%. Skeleton, snowboard, bobsleigh, and alpine and freestyle skiing had the highest medical attendance rate relative to other disciplines (p < 0.001). The majority of injuries and illnesses were of a minor nature. A total of 23 visits required hospital admissions (3.40%). Conclusion: The described model of medical coverage for such events seemed to be practical and efficient for the athletes, without depleting services to the general population. The risk of severe injury and illness seemed to be low. These data could be useful for planning medical services in future mass gatherings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Human type II alveolar cells (A549) were exposed to aqueous- and organic-solvent PM10 extracts to evaluate their effects on cell proliferation, proinflammatory cytokine release and cytotoxicity (assayed by lactate dehydrogenase, LDH, activity). PM10 samples collected in Torino (northwest Italy) were analysed for inorganic chemical species (bioavailable iron and secondary particulates) and endotoxins, which are potentially inflammatory promoters in human airways. During the sampling period, PM10 concentration was 55.4±39.1μg/m3, secondary particles constituted 42±9% of the PM10 total mass, and bioavailable iron concentration was 0.078±0.095μg/m3. PM10 inhibits cell proliferation and induces both IL-6 and LDH release in a dose- and time-dependent manner, with a seasonal trend. The different effects of aqueous and organic PM10 extracts demonstrate the importance of particle composition for the induction of cytotoxic effects on A549 cells. A first comparison between the biological effects induced by PM10 extracts and PM10 components was performed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a rare but severe illness associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. A dysregulated immune response is recognized as the main pathogenic mechanism. Previous studies demonstrated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in faeces of almost one-third of patients with COVID-19, while data are currently missing about MIS-C., Objectives: to evaluate faecal sample positivity to SARS-CoV-2 in MIS-C and to compare the positivity rate between MIS-C and COVID-19 hospitalised children.  DESIGN: observational descriptive study with prospective patient enrollment., Setting and Participants: the SARS-CoV-2 positivity was evaluated in stool samples obtained in a prospective series of 63 paediatric patients admitted to Regina Margherita Children's Hospital (Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria - Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Northern Italy) with diagnosis of MIS-C (N. 31) or COVID-19 (N. 32), during the first year of pandemic emergency. The real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR), was performed using a validated kit measuring 3 target SARS-CoV-2 genes: E gene, N gene, and ORF1ab gene MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: SARS-CoV-2 stool positivity and concomitant gastrointestinal symptoms., Results: overall, 16/63 (25%) stool samples revealed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA. In patients with COVID-19, faecal samples were collected 8 days as median (IQR 7) after the presumed viral exposure and were positive in 12/31 (39%; 95%CI 23.2-56.2); among children with MIS-C, stools were collected 27.5 days as median (IQR 26.25) after presumed contact and the positivity rate was 12.5% (95%CI 4.4-27.0) (4/32). More than 80% of the children with MIS-C presented gastrointestinal symptoms, but the frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with positive stools for SARS-CoV-2 RNA is not higher than patients tested negative (p=0.092)., Conclusions: MIS-C patients frequently experienced gastrointestinal symptoms, confirming the intestinal involvement in MIS-C already described in the literature. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA in faecal samples is confirmed in more than 10% of MIS-C patients and stool positivity was also detected many days after presumed first contact with the virus. This data suggests the possibility of tracing SARS-COV-2 also in faeces for a better description of its circulation and spread in the environment.

Aims: The incidence of type 1 diabetes has increased over the last decades. The pathological pathway is not yet clear, even if genetic and environmental risk factors are known. An early diagnosis can avoid ketoacidosis and its complications. This work aims to discuss the determinants of both ketoacidosis at the onset and access by hospital emergency departments without a suspected diagnosis., Methods: An observational bi-centric prospective study was conducted in Northern Italy, on a paediatric population including Italian and migrant patients at the diabetes onset. Seventy-four type 1 diabetes patients, both Italian and migrant, were included in the study. Anthropometric, socio-economic, behavioural, clinical data were collected, and microbiota analyses were performed using stool samples., Results: Regular physical activity is associated with lower ketoacidosis incidence at onset (OR 0.33 95% CI 0.12-0.95 p < 0.05), as is higher blood vitamin D level (OR 0.92 95% CI 0.85-0.99 p < 0.05). Moreover, a higher weaning age (OR 0.49 95% CI 0.27-0.89 p < 0.05), higher vitamin D level (OR 0.90 95% CI 0.83-0.98 p < 0.05) and a higher level of Akkermansia muciniphila (OR 0.46 95% CI 0.25-0.87 p < 0.05) are associated factors to lower frequency of type 1 diabetes onset without a suspected diagnosis. Diabetes migrant status is not a risk factor for severe type 1 diabetes onset; on the other hand, some protective factors are significantly more diffused among Italians, such as regular sport activity and non-critical vitamin D levels., Conclusion: Behavioural and nutritional data, such as microbiota bio-indicators, seem to be useful to identify an at-risk population to prevent ketoacidosis and its severe complications.

Urban air pollution represents a global problem, since everyday many mutagenic and carcinogens compounds are emitted into the atmosphere, with consequent adverse health effects on humans and biota. Specifically, particulate matter air pollution was associated with increased risks in human mortality and morbidity. In this paper, we analyse the genomic effects on human lymphocytes of different concentrations of annual Turin PM2.5 extract by an in vitro micronuclei assay. Samplings were collected from an urban meteorological-chemical station positioned in Turin (Italy), one of the most polluted cities in Europe. PM2.5 sampled on filters was used for organic extraction in monthly pools and successively aggregated to produce a mixture representative for a full year PM2.5 collection. Lymphocytes were exposed to four concentrations of PM2.5: 5, 10, 15 and 20 μg/mL and micronuclei, nucleoplasmic bridges and nuclear buds were scored. With respect to controls, PM2.5 significantly increased the frequencies of all analysed biomarkers at all tested concentrations, whereas the CBPI index was significantly reduced only at the concentration of 20 μg/mL. Such in vitro effects can both to stimulate local authorities to adopt efficient measures for air pollution mitigation and to improve human monitoring to detect early precancer lesions.

Background: There are 1.2 million of immigrant children living in Italy. However, data on their nutritional habits are limited. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional profile in a cohort of both Italian and immigrant children., Methods: The study included 86 children aged 5-15 consecutively enrolled from January 2016 to May 2017 within a larger epidemiological study on determinants of diabetes. Immigrant state was defined on the basis of the parent origin. Data on nutritional profile, frequency of food group consumption, and eating habits were collected using the 24-hour dietary recall method and a questionnaire. Anthropometric parameters were measured., Results: In the cohort of immigrant children there was a higher prevalence of both overweight (27.3 vs. 14.1%) and obesity (18.2 vs. 3.1%) subjects and a greater total calorie intake compared to Italian children, mainly due to excess simple carbohydrate intake. Immigrant children had a higher consumption of sweets, snacks, and drinks with added sugar. Moreover, unhealthy habits, such as eating alone and eating while watching TV, were more frequent among immigrant children., Conclusions: In this cohort, immigrant children had a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity possibly due to less healthy nutritional habits. Culturally-tailored nutritional interventions may help preventing the development of obesity-related diseases in this population.

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are an important source of surface water contamination by enteric pathogens, affecting the role of environmental water as a microbial reservoir. We describe the release to the environment of certain anaerobes of human and environmental concern. The work was focused on emerging microbial targets. They are tracing, by RT-qPCR, on WWTP effluents, both liquid and solid, when an anaerobic digestion step is included. The focus is placed on Clostridium spp. with the specific quantification of Clostridium perfringens, as typical bioindicator, and Clostridium difficile, as emerging pathogen not only confined into nosocomial infection. Moreover methanogens were quantified for their involvement in the anaerobic digestion, and in particular on Methanobrevibacter smithii as major methanogenic component of the human gut microbiome and as not conventional faecal indicator. In the water samples, a reduction, statistically significant, in all microbial targets was observed (p < 0.01), 2 log for the total bacteria, 1.4 log for the Clostridium spp. and M. smithii, 1 log for total methanogens, C. perfringens and C. difficile. The AD process contribute to a significant change in microbial levels into the sludge for total bacteria and total methanogens (p < 0.01), both when the input sludge are primary and secondary, while for the presence of Clostridium spp. and C. difficile there was not a significant change. The produced data are innovative showing which is the diffusion of such anaerobic microorganisms throughout the WWTP and opening a discussion on the implementation of possible techniques for a more efficient microbial removal from effluents, particularly bio-solids, to reduce the potential release of pathogens into the environment., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The continued expansion of the green economy increases the risk profile for green occupational jobs. One of the broadest green sectors in terms of growth is the anaerobic digestion of biomasses. In recent years, this development has also interested Italian regions. The management of biomass includes biological risk and the risk of particulate and endotoxin exposure. In the present study, we evaluated airborne exposure for anaerobic digestion workers at two real-scale plants. Digested biomass has different origins, ranging from cattle sludge and manure to poultry manure to agricultural harvesting or processing residues, particularly from maize and fruits. Two sampling points were chosen: at the first, the input biomasses were stored, and the hopper was loaded; at the second, the digested sludge exited the digester. The microbiological parameters, assessed using an active sampler and cultural method, were the total bacteria counts (at 22, 37, and 55°C), yeasts, fungi, Pseudomonaceae, Clostridia spp., Enterobacteriaceae and Actinomycetes. Moreover, at the same sampling points, we evaluated six PM10 fraction levels (10.0-7.2, 7.2-3.0, 3.0-1.5, 1.5-0.95, 0.95-0.49, and <0.49µm) and the endotoxin content of each fraction. In this investigation, the microbe contamination of the air varied from low to high levels, while the PM10 and endotoxin levels were limited, reaching rural environmental levels (61.40µg/m(3) and 18.88EU/m(3), respectively). However, contamination and occupational risk must be evaluated individually for each plant because numerous variables influence the risk magnitude, particularly digested sludge treatments, such as input biomass nature, storage, movement conditions, building configuration and technological processes., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: this article summarises the results of eight years (2002-2009) of investigations on food borne disease outbreaks carried out the Regional Agency for Public Health in Piedmont, which is an Italian Region (4,432,571 citizens, 2008)., Methods: the investigations were conducted as cohort studies supported by laboratory analysis of: food and patients. The data were reported by general practitioners and hospital physicians, and were collected, evaluated and recorded in 22 Hospitals., Results: it recorded 803 outbreaks of food borne disease, of which 177 mushroom outbreaks with 318 ill people and 499 outbreaks for all the others agents with 3,381 ill people. The maximum prevalence was 15.7/100,000 (2004). The most important causes for numbers of ill people have been (2002-2009): salmonellosis (34%, 1,250/3,699), mushroom poisoning (9%, 318/3,699), Escherichia coli (8%, 228/3,699), Staphyilococcus (6%, 209/3,699), virus (5%, 198/3,699), Clostridium perfringens (4%, 154/3,699), Bacillus cereus (2.1%, 76/3,699), scombrotoxin (1.8%, 65/3,699). 303 out of 304 mushrooms outbreaks occurred from consumers that picking mushrooms themselves to eat in private homes and for all others agents: 57% of 499 the outbreaks occurred in private homes, 27% in restaurants, 6% in canteens, but 39% of 3,381 ill people had eaten in restaurants and other public food facilities, 32% in private homes and 24% in canteens. After mushrooms the eggs (75 outbreaks) were the most important food recognized., Conclusion: the theoretical maximum prevalence which can be hypothesized with this data in Piedmont (2002-2009) is 141/100,000 (sum of the maximum prevalence recorded at least in one Piedmont Hospital district).