Occurrence of Microplastics in Tap and Bottled Water: Current Knowledge

none5noA narrative review was carried out to describe the current knowledge related to the occurrence of MPs in drinking water. The reviewed studies (n = 21) showed the presence of microplastics (MPs) in tap (TW) and bottled (BW) water, increasing concerns for public health due to the possible toxicity associated with their polymeric composition, additives, and other compounds or microorganism adsorbed on their surface. The MP concentration increase by decreasing particles size and was higher in BW than in TW. Among BW, reusable PET and glass bottles showed a higher MP contamination than other packages. The lower MP abundance in TW than in natural sources indicates a high removal rate of MPs in drinking water treatment plants. This evidence should encourage the consumers to drink TW instead of BW, in order to limit their exposure to MPS and produce less plastic waste. The high variability in the results makes it difficult to compare the findings of different studies and build up a general hypothesis on human health risk. A globally shared protocol is needed to harmonize results also in view of the monitoring plans for the emerging contaminants, including MPs, introduced by the new European regulation.Gambino I.; Bagordo F.; Grassi T.; Panico A.; De Donno A.Gambino, I.; Bagordo, F.; Grassi, T.; Panico, A.; De Donno, A

The water safety plan approach: Application to small drinking-water systems—case studies in salento (south italy)

none6noBackground: The quality of water for human consumption is an objective of fundamental importance for the defense of public health. Since the management of networks involves many problems of control and efficiency of distribution, the Water Safety Plan (WSP) was introduced to address these growing problems. Methods: WSP was applied to three companies in which the water resource assumes central importance: five water kiosks, a third-range vegetable processing company, and a residence and care institution. In drafting the plan, the terms and procedures designed and tested for the management of urban distribution systems were applied to safeguard the resource over time. Results: The case studies demonstrated the reliability of the application of the model even to small drinking-water systems, even though it involved a greater effort in analyzing the incoming water, the local intended use, and the possibilities for managing the containment of the dangers to which it is exposed. This approach demonstrates concrete effectiveness in identifying and mitigating the dangers of altering the quality of water. Conclusions: Thanks to the WSP applied to small drinking-water systems, we can move from management that is focused mainly on verifying the conformity of the finished product to the creation of a global risk assessment and management system that covers the entire water supply chain.openSerio F.; Martella L.; Imbriani G.; Idolo A.; Bagordo F.; De Donno A.Serio, F.; Martella, L.; Imbriani, G.; Idolo, A.; Bagordo, F.; De Donno, A

Spatial distribution of fungal microflora in the sediment of a brackish lake (Lake Alimini Grande, Italy) used for fish production and bathing

A study of the distribution of fungal microflora was conducted on the sediment of Lake Alimini Grande in order to contrib- ute to the evaluation of the ecosystem characteristics that can effect the process of decomposition. The isolation and identification of fungal species and ergosterol analysis were performed on sediment samples taken from 33 monitorin stations in autumn and winter .Altogether, 24 strains belong- ing to 8 genera were isolated. Trichoderma spp (41.6%) and Aspergillus spp (20.8%) were the dominant genera: in par- ticular, Trichoderma was present near the Traugnano marsh, whereas Aspergillus was isolated in the area of connection to the sea

One-hour post-load plasma glucose levels associated with decreased insulin sensitivity and secretion and early makers of cardiometabolic risk.

PURPOSE: Obese adults with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) but with 1-hour post-load plasma glucose (1hPG) ≥ 155 mg/dl are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiometabolic complications. Little information is available for the pediatric population, where recently, a lower cutoff, 132.5 mg/dl, has been suggested as being more sensitive to identify subjects at risk of T2D. Our aim was to assess whether obese Caucasian youth with 1hPG ≥ 132.5 mg/dl have worse insulin sensitivity and secretion and a worse cardiometabolic profile compared to obese youth with 1hPG < 132.5 mg/dl. METHODS: Medical records of 244 (43% male; age: 11.1 ± 2.7years) overweight/obese children and adolescents, who had undergone an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), were retrieved. Anthropometric and biochemical data were collected from the hard copy archive. Indexes of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin sensitivity (WBISI), and insulin secretion (Insulinogenic Index, Disposition Index) were calculated. RESULTS: Of the 244 records analyzed, 215 fulfilled criteria for NGT and had complete biochemical data. Among NGT patients, 42 (19.5%) showed 1hPG ≥ 132.5 mg/dL (high-NGT), while the remaining had 1hPG < 132.5 mg/dL (low-NGT). The high-NGT group showed a higher male prevalence (59.5 vs 37%), lower Disposition Index (0.54 [0.39-0.71] vs 0.79 [0.47-1.43]), and WBISI (0.24 [0.18-0.35] vs 0.33 [0.23-0.50]) than the low-NGT group. High-NGT subjects also showed a trend towards lower HDL-cholesterol and higher triglycerides/HDL-cholesterol ratio (2.13 [1.49-3.41] vs 1.66 [1.24-2.49]). CONCLUSIONS: In overweight/obese NGT Caucasian youth a 1hPG ≥ 132.5 mg/dL was able to identify those with impaired insulin sensitivity and secretion and a trend towards a worse cardio-metabolic profile, a group likely at risk for future T2D

Expression and Biological Functions of miRNAs in Chronic Pain: A Review on Human Studies

none10noChronic pain is a major public health problem and an economic burden worldwide. However, its underlying pathological mechanisms remain unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression and serve key roles in physiological and pathological processes. This review aims to synthesize the human studies examining miRNA expression in the pathogenesis of chronic primary pain and chronic secondary pain. Additionally, to understand the potential pathophysiological impact of miRNAs in these conditions, an in silico analysis was performed to reveal the target genes and pathways involved in primary and secondary pain and their differential regulation in the different types of chronic pain. The findings, methodological issues and challenges of miRNA research in the pathophysiology of chronic pain are discussed. The available evidence suggests the potential role of miRNA in disease pathogenesis and possibly the pain process, eventually enabling this role to be exploited for pain monitoring and management.Sabina S.; Panico A.; Mincarone P.; Leo C.G.; Garbarino S.; Grassi T.; Bagordo F.; De Donno A.; Scoditti E.; Tumolo M.R.Sabina, S.; Panico, A.; Mincarone, P.; Leo, C. G.; Garbarino, S.; Grassi, T.; Bagordo, F.; De Donno, A.; Scoditti, E.; Tumolo, M. R

Has VZV epidemiology changed in Italy? Results of a seroprevalence study

The aim of the study was to evaluate if and how varicella prevalence has changed in Italy. In particular a seroprevalence study was performed, comparing it to similar surveys conducted in pre-immunization era. During 2013–2014, sera obtained from blood samples taken for diagnostic purposes or routine investigations were collected in collaboration with at least one laboratory/center for each region, following the approval of the Ethics Committee. Data were stratified by sex and age. All samples were processed in a national reference laboratory by an immunoassay with high sensitivity and specificity. Statutory notifications, national hospital discharge database and mortality data related to VZV infection were analyzed as well. A total of 3707 sera were collected and tested. In the studied period both incidence and hospitalization rates decreased and about 5 deaths per year have been registered. The seroprevalence decreased in the first year of life in subjects passively protected by their mother, followed by an increase in the following age classes. The overall antibody prevalence was 84%. The comparison with surveys conducted with the same methodology in 1996–1997 and 2003–2004 showed significant differences in age groups 1–19&nbsp;y. The study confirms that in Italy VZV infection typically occurs in children. The impact of varicella on Italian population is changing. The comparison between studies performed in different periods shows a significant increase of seropositivity in age class 1–4&nbsp;years, expression of vaccine interventions already adopted in some regions

Microbiological and chemical assessment of wastewater discharged by infiltration trenches in fractured and karstified limestone (Sca.re.s. project 2019–2020)

This study investigated the environmental contamination of groundwater as a consequence of the discharge of treated wastewater into the soil. The investigation focused on a wastewater treatment plant located in an area fractured by karst in the Salento peninsula (Apulia, Italy). Water samples were collected at four sites (raw wastewater, treated wastewater, infiltration trench, and monitoring well), monthly from May to December 2019 (with the exception of August), and were tested for (1) panel of bacteria; (2) enteric viruses; and (3) chemical substances. A gradual reduction in the concentration of bacteria, viruses and contaminants of emerging concern was observed across the profile of soil fissured by karst. All monitored bacteria were absent from the monitoring well, except for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pepper mild mottle virus and adenovirus were detected at all sampling sites. Personal care products and X-ray contrast media showed the greatest decrease in concentration from infiltration trench to the monitoring well, while the highest residual concentrations in the monitoring well were found for anticonvulsants (78.5%), antimicrobials (41.3%), and antipsychotic drugs (38.6%). Our results show that parameters provided by current law may not always be sufficient to evaluate the sanitary risk relating to the discharge of treated wastewater to the soil

Results from the European Union MAPEC_LIFE cohort study on air pollution and chromosomal damage in children: are public health policies sufficiently protective?

Background: Children are at high risk of suffering health consequences of air pollution and childhood exposure can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases in adulthood. This study, part of the MAPEC_LIFE project (LIFE12 ENV/IT/000614), aimed to investigate the associations between exposure to urban air pollutants and micronucleus (MN) frequency, as a biomarker of chromosomal damage, in buccal cells of children for supporting implementation and updating of environmental policy and legislation. Methods: This prospective epidemiological cohort study was carried out on 6- to 8-year-old children living in five Italian towns with different levels and features of air pollution. Exfoliated buccal cells of the children were sampled twice, in winter and spring, obtaining 2139 biological samples for genotoxicological investigation. Micronucleus (MN) frequency was investigated in buccal cells of children and its association with air pollution exposure was assessed applying multiple Poisson regression mixed models, including socio-demographic and lifestyle factors as confounders. We also dichotomize air pollutants\u2019 concentration according to the EU Ambient Air Quality Directives and WHO Air Quality Guidelines in all Poisson regression models to assess their risk predictive capacity. Results: Positive and statistically significant associations were found between MN frequency and PM10, PM2.5, benzene, SO2 and ozone. The increment of the risk of having MN in buccal cells for each \u3bcg/m3 increase of pollutant concentration was maximum for benzene (18.9%, 95% CIs 2.2\u201338.4%) and modest for the other pollutants (between 0.2 and 1.4%). An increased risk (between 17.9% and 59.8%) was found also for exposure to PM10, benzene and benzo(a)pyrene levels higher than the threshold limits. Conclusions: Some air pollutants are able to induce chromosomal damage in buccal cells of children even at concentrations below present EU/WHO limits. This type of biological effects may be indicative of the environmental pressure which populations are exposed to in urban areas

Emergence of unusual human rotavirus strains in Salento, Italy, during 2006–2007

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In recent years, rotavirus genotyping by RT-PCR has provided valuable information about the diversity of rotaviruses (RV) circulating throughout the world.</p> <p>The purpose of the present study was to monitor the prevalence of the different G and P genotypes of rotaviruses circulating in Salento and detect any uncommon or novel types.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>During the period from January 2006 to December 2007, a total of 243 rotavirus positive stool samples were collected from children with diarrhoea admitted to four Hospitals in the province of Lecce (Copertino, Galatina, Gallipoli and Tricase).</p> <p>All the specimens were tested for RV by real time PCR and genotyped for VP7 (G-type) and VP4 (P-type) gene by reverse transcription (RT) and multiplex PCR using different type specific primers.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In course of this study we identified 4 common G&P combinations viz. G2P[8], G1P[8], G2P[4] and G9P[8] amongst 59.8% of the typeable rotavirus positives.</p> <p>Rotavirus G2P[8] was recognized as the most widespread genotype during the sentinel-based survey in Salento.</p> <p>The detection of other novel and unusual strains, such as G2P[10], G4P[10], G8P[4], G9P[11] and G10P[8] is noteworthy.</p> <p>Furthermore, a significant number of mixed infections were observed during the survey period but G3P[8] rotaviruses were not detected.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This study highlights the genetic diversity among rotaviruses isolated from children in Salento and the emergence of some novel strains. Therefore, it is highly essential to continuously monitor for these strains so as to assess the impact of vaccines on RV strains circulating in Salento and understand the effect of strain variation on efficacy of presently available vaccines.</p