Consumers exposure assessment of pesticide residues in food: current status and future perspective in Lombardy

La presente tesi descrive i risultati del programma di controllo dei pesticidi in regione Lombardia da 1996 a 2008 ed analizza i dati per calcolarne, con metodi diversi, la valutazione dell’esposizione del consumatore. 9387 campioni sono stati analizzati con un numero di campioni irregolari pari all’1%. Il numero di campioni senza residuo era pari al 69% ed il numero di campioni con i residui al di sotto del valore limite stabilito per legge era del 30%. Successivamente per capire l'esposizione dei consumatori a residui di antiparassitari si è utilizzato un metodo deterministico sviluppato da EFSA (PRIMo). È stato trovato che fra i campioni irregolari analizzati, solo 31 potrebbero causare il danno alla salute del consumatore. Un’ ulteriore analisi è stata quella di effettuare una valutazione con metodo probabilistico (Creme) calcolando l'esposizione cumulativa di antiparassitari sulla salute dei consumatori. Coem primo passo, residui di uno stesso pesticida trovato su campioni di patate sono stati inseriti nel software. Inoltre, campioni contenenti residui di pesticidi organofosfati sono stati inseriti nel software accoppiati con i dati italiani di consumo. In entrambi i casi, la valutazione cumulativa probabilistica dimostrava un adeguato livello di sicurezza per adulti e bambini.The presented thesis describes the results of the pesticide monitoring programme in Lombardy Region from 1996 to 2008 and analyses the data gathered to calculate consumer exposure assessment with different approaches. A total of 9387 samples were analysed and the number of irregular samples was equal to 1%. The number of samples without residues was 69% and the number of samples with residues within the MRL was 30%. A further step to understand the exposure of consumers to residue of pesticides was obtained with the use of a deterministic approach developed by EFSA (PRIMo Model). It was found that among the detected irregular samples, only 31 might cause harm to the health of the consumer. An additional step was constituted by the use of one probabilistic method (Creme Software) to calculate the cumulative exposure of pesticides for the consumers. As a first step, residues of Chlorprofam were plotted in the software on samples of potato. In addition, samples containing residues of Organophosphates were also plotted along with the Italian consumption data. In both the case studies, the probabilistic acute cumulative assessment indicated that the intake, for adults and toddlers was below the set toxicological endpoint

VOLCANIC CO2 FLUX MEASUREMENTS BY TUNABLE DIODE LASER ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY

Introduction In the last decades, the use of near-infrared room-temperature diode lasers for gas sensing has grown significantly. The use of these devices, for instance in combination with optical fibers, is particularly convenient for volcanic monitoring applications [1,2]. Here, we report on the first results of the application of an open-path infrared tunable laser-based at Campi Flegrei (Southern Italy). Such Diode-laser-based measurements were performed, during two field campaigns (october 2012, and january 2013), in the attempt to obtain novel information on the current degassing unrest of Solfatara and Pisciarelli fumarolic fields. Results and Discussion At each site, we used an ad-hoc designed measurement geometry, using a TDLS (a Gas Finder unit) and several differently positioned retroreflectors (mirrors), to scan the fumaroles’ plume from different angles and distances. From post-processing of the data (acquired at 1 hz), we derived tomographic maps of CO2 concentrations in the plume and, by integration and combination with plume transport speed (from video cameras), we inferred the CO2 flux directly. The so-calculated fluxes, the first ever obtained at Campi Flegrei, average of 500 tons/day, and support a significant contribution of fumaroles to the total CO2 budget. The cumulative (fumarole [this study] +soil [3]) CO2 output from Campi Flegrei is finally evaluated at 1600 tons/day. [1] Gianfrani L. et al. (2000). Appl. Phys. B-Rapid Common. 70, 467-470. [2] Richter D. et al (2002), Optics and Lasers in Engineering, Volume 37, Issues 2–3, Pages 171-186. [3] Chiodini G. et al. (2010), Journal of Geophysical Research, Volume 115, B03205, doi:10.1029/2008JB006258

Fully inorganic oxide-in-oxide ultraviolet nanocrystal light emitting devices

The development of integrated photonics and lab-on-a-chip platforms for environmental and biomedical diagnostics demands ultraviolet electroluminescent materials with high mechanical, chemical and environmental stability and almost complete compatibility with existing silicon technology. Here we report the realization of fully inorganic ultraviolet light-emitting diodes emitting at 390 nm with a maximum external quantum efficiency of ~0.3%, based on SnO(2) nanoparticles embedded in SiO(2) thin films obtained from a solution-processed method. The fabrication involves a single deposition step onto a silicon wafer followed by a thermal treatment in a controlled atmosphere. The fully inorganic architecture ensures superior mechanical robustness and optimal chemical stability in organic solvents and aqueous solutions. The versatility of the fabrication process broadens the possibility of optimizing this strategy and extending it to other nanostructured systems for designed applications, such as active components of wearable health monitors or biomedical devices

. New ground-based lidar enables volcanic CO2 flux measurements

There have been substantial advances in the ability to monitor the activity of hazardous volcanoes in recent decades. However, obtaining early warning of eruptions remains challenging, because the patterns and consequences of volcanic unrests are both complex and nonlinear. Measuring volcanic gases has long been a key aspect of volcano monitoring since these mobile fluids should reach the surface long before the magma. There has been considerable progress in methods for remote and in-situ gas sensing, but measuring the flux of volcanic CO2—the most reliable gas precursor to an eruption—has remained a challenge. Here we report on the first direct quantitative measurements of the volcanic CO2 flux using a newly designed differential absorption lidar (DIAL), which were performed at the restless Campi Flegrei volcano. We show that DIAL makes it possible to remotely obtain volcanic CO2 flux time series with a high temporal resolution (tens of minutes) and accuracy (<30%). The ability of this lidar to remotely sense volcanic CO2 represents a major step forward in volcano monitoring, and will contribute improved volcanic CO2 flux inventories. Our results also demonstrate the unusually strong degassing behavior of Campi Flegrei fumaroles in the current ongoing state of unrest

First observations of the fumarolic gas output from a restless caldera: implications for the current period of unrest (2005–2013) at Campi Flegrei

The fumarolic gas output has not been quantified for any of the currently deforming calderas worldwide, due to the lack of suitable gas flux sensing techniques. In view of resumption of ground uplift (since 2005) and the associated variations in gas chemistry, Campi Flegrei, in southern Italy, is one of the restless calderas where gas flux observations are especially necessary. Here we report the first ever obtained estimate of the Campi Flegrei fumarolic gas output, based on a set of MultiGAS surveys (performed in 2012 and 2013) with an ad-hoc-designed measurement setup. We estimate that the current Campi Flegrei fumarolic sulphur (S) flux is low, on the order of 1.5–2.2 tons/day, suggesting substantial scrubbing of magmatic S by the hydrothermal system. However, the fumarolic carbon dioxide (CO2) output is 4606160 tons/day (mean6SD), which is surprisingly high for a dormant volcano in the hydrothermal stage of activity, and results in a combined (fumarolesþsoil) CO2 output of 1560 tons/ day. Assuming magma to be the predominant source, we propose that the current CO2 output can be supplied by either (i) a large (0.6–4.6 km3), deeply stored (>7 km) magmatic source with low CO2 contents (0.05–0.1 wt%) or (ii) by a small to medium-sized ( 0.01–0.1 km3) but CO2-rich (2 wt%) magma, possibly stored at pressures of 100 to 120 MPa. Independent geophysical evidence (e.g., inferred from geodetic and gravity data) is needed to distinguish between these two possibilities

First-Line Chemotherapy for HER-2–Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients Who Received Anthracyclines as Adjuvant Treatment

Learning Objectives After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Discuss the value of retreatment with anthracyclines for HER-2–negative metastatic breast cancer patients who received anthracyclines as adjuvant treatment.Discuss the role of liposomal anthracyclines, taxanes, and combinations without anthracyclines and taxanes, or innovative treatments, including target-based agents.Comment on the weakness and quality of available evidence. Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ at CME.TheOncologist.co

Inflammation-based scores in patients with pheochromocytoma

Background: Pheochromocytoma is associated with systemic inflammation, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between plasma metanephrine levels and haematological parameters – as a surrogate of inflammation – in patients with pheochromocytoma and the influence of preoperative α-blockade treatment.Design and Methods: We retrospectively studied 68 patients with pheochromocytoma who underwent adrenalectomy (median age 53 years, 64.7% females) and two control groups matched for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI): 68 patients with non-functioning adrenocortical tumors (NFAT) and 53 with essential hypertension (EAH). The complete blood count (CBC) and several inflammation-based scores [Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio (LMR), Systemic-Immune-Inflammation Index (SII), Prognostic-Nutrition Index (PNI)] were assessed in all patients and, in a subset of pheochromocytomas, after adrenalectomy (n=26) and before and after preoperative α-blockade treatment (n=29).Results: A higher inflammatory state, as indicated by both CBC and inflammation-based scores, was observed in patients with pheochromocytoma compared to NFAT and EAH. Plasma metanephrine levels showed a positive correlation with NLR (r=0.4631), PLR (r=0.3174), SII (r=0.3709), and a negative correlation with LMR (r=0.4368) and PNI (r=0.3741), even after adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity, BMI and tumor size (except for PLR). After adrenalectomy, we observed a reduction in NLR (p=0.001), PLR (p=0.003), SII (p=0.004) and a concomitant increase in LMR (p=0.0002). Similarly, α-blockade treatment led to a reduction in NLR (p=0.007) and SII (p=0.03).Conclusions: Inflammation-based scores in patients with pheochromocytoma showed pro-inflammatory changes that correlated with plasma metanephrine levels and are ameliorated by adrenalectomy and α-blockade

Clinical relevance of genetic variants of gonadotrophins and their receptors in controlled ovarian stimulation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Genotype has been implicated in the outcome of ovarian stimulation. The analysis of patient-specific genotypes might lead to an individualized pharmacogenomic approach to controlled ovarian stimulation (COS). However, the validity of such an approach remains to be established

Adherence to the EAU guidelines on Penile Cancer Treatment: European, multicentre, retrospective study

16siPurpose: The European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines for penile cancer (PC) are exclusively based on retrospective studies and have low grades of recommendation. The aim of this study was to assess the adherence to guidelines by investigating the management strategies for primary tumours and inguinal lymph nodes. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical charts of 176 PC patients who underwent surgery in eight European centres from 2010 to 2016. The stage and grade were assessed according to the 2009 AJCC–UICC TNM classification system. To assess adherence rates, we compared theoretical and practical adherence to the EAU guidelines. Results: Overall, 176 patients were enrolled. Partial amputation was the most frequent surgical approach (39%). 53.7% of tumours were stage Tis-T1b and the remaining 46.3% were stage T2-T4. Palpable lymph nodes were detected in 30.1% of patients and 45.1% underwent lymphadenectomy (LY). A sizeable group of tumours (43.2%) were N0. For primary treatment, adherence to the EAU guidelines was good (66%). In non-adherent cases, reasons for discrepancy were patient’s choice (17%), surgeon’s preference (36%), and other causes (47%). For LY, the guideline adherence was 70%, with either patient’s or surgeon’s choice or other causes accounting for discrepancy in 28, 20, and 52% of non-adherent cases, respectively. Conclusion: Adherence to the EAU guidelines for PC was quite high across the eight European centres involved in the study. This notwithstanding, strategies for further improvement should be developed and evenly adopted.openopenBada M.; Berardinelli F.; Nyirady P.; Varga J.; Ditonno P.; Battaglia M.; Chiodini P.; De Nunzio C.; Tema G.; Veccia A.; Antonelli A.; Cindolo L.; Simeone C.; Puliatti S.; Micali S.; Schips L.Bada, M.; Berardinelli, F.; Nyirady, P.; Varga, J.; Ditonno, P.; Battaglia, M.; Chiodini, P.; De Nunzio, C.; Tema, G.; Veccia, A.; Antonelli, A.; Cindolo, L.; Simeone, C.; Puliatti, S.; Micali, S.; Schips, L

Mafic magma feeds degassing unrest at Vulcano Island, Italy

The benign fuming activity of dormant volcanoes is punctuated by phases of escalating degassing activity that, on some occasions, ultimately prelude to eruption. However, understanding the drivers of such unrest is complicated by complex interplay between magmatic and hydrothermal processes. Some of the most comprehensively characterised degassing unrest have recently been observed at La Fossa cone on Vulcano Island, but whether or not these episodes involve new, volatile-rich ascending magma remains debated. Here, we use volcanic gas measurements, in combination with melt inclusion information, to propose that heightened sulphur dioxide flux during the intense fall 2021 La Fossa unrest is sourced by degassing of volatile-rich mafic magma. Calculations using a numerical model indicate observations are consistent with the unrest being triggered by the emplacement of ∼3·106 m3 of mafic magma at ∼4–5 km depth. Degassing of mafic magma is argued as a recurrent driver of unrest at dormant volcanoes worldwide