The luminosity constraint in the era of precision solar physics

The luminosity constraint is a very precise relationship linking the power released by the Sun as photons and the solar neutrino fluxes. Such a relation, which is a direct consequence of the physical processes controlling the production and the transport of energy in the solar interior, is of great importance for the studies of solar neutrinos and has a special role for the search of neutrinos from the CNO cycle, whose first detection with a 5$\sigma$ significance has been recently announced by the Borexino collaboration. Here we revise the luminosity constraint, discussing and validating its underlying hypotheses, in the light of latest solar neutrino and luminosity measurements. We generalize the current formulation of the luminosity constraint relation so that it can be easily used in future analysis of solar neutrino data, and we provide a specific application showing the link between CNO and pp neutrino fluxes.Comment: 24 pages, 3 figures, 7 tables. Accepted for publication in JPh

Chemical elements in Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes - The reference mushrooms as instruments for investigating bioindication and biodiversity

Fungi in the wild are among the principal agents in biogeochemical cycles; those cycles of matter and energy that enable ecosystems to work. By investigating the biodiversity of Italian fungal species and concentration levels of chemical elements in them, it may be possible to use these fungi as biological indicators for the quality of forest, woodland and semi-natural environments. The database of this EUR Report record the dry-material concentrations of 35 chemical elements, including heavy metals, in over 9,000 samples of higher mushrooms (Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes). These samples represent approximately 200 genera and a thousand species. As the database has attained statistical stability it has been possible to define the concept of a “reference mushroom”. The use of a “reference mushroom” may benefit – perhaps only as a methodological approach – various fields of mycological and environmental research; from biodiversity and bioindication, through taxonomy right up to health and sanitation issues. The sheer volume of the collected data may prove to be useful as a comparison for data collected in the future; such results would also allow a better and more exhaustive interpretation of the effects of environmental protection laws that have been in place over the years to reduce or remedy current climate change phenomena and the environmental damage caused by human activity. Studies pertaining to the frequency of occurrence and the ecology of the various fungal species found on Italian soil have tended to link the reference habitats used to European classification guidelines (Natura 2000, CORINE Land Cover, CORINE Biotopes and EUNIS). Thereby the foundations have been laid for the use of mushrooms as biological indicators for the measurement of soil and ecosystem quality.JRC.DDG.H.5-Rural, water and ecosystem resource

Selenium, zinc and copper content of foods consumed in an Italian community

This study aimed to determine the concentrations of selenium, zinc and copper in foods generally composing the diet of Northern Italy population in order to implement a database of the quantitative content for each of the three trace elements, according to food category intake. Food samples were collected from (small to large) distribution markets in triplicates and trace elements determination was performed with ICP-MS after sample mineralization. We found the highest levels of selenium in meat (202g/kg), fish and seafood (489), dry fruits (314) and legumes (220). The level of zinc was higher in cereal products (11.7 mg/kg), meat (28.4), dairy products (18.8), legumes (21.2) and dry fruits (37.8). Finally, the highest concentration of copper was found in dry fruits (14.9 mg/kg), legumes (6.2), sweets (4.1) and meat (3.7). Our findings will allow to estimate dietary trace elements exposure which could be useful for both toxicological and epidemiological studies

FOOD INTAKE OF ZINC AND CADMIUM IN NORTHERN ITALY POPULATION

Background: Some trace elements are essential for humans; their deficiency may cause abnormal biological functions, whereas excessive intakes may produce adverse health effects. The aim of this study was to estimate the daily intake through diet of zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) in a Northern Italy population and verify the compliance with recommended levels of intake for Italian population recently updated by Italian Society of Human Nutrition (SINU). Methods: We investigated dietary intake of Zn, and Cd in 719 residents of five provinces of Emilia Romagna region in Northern Italy, using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire designed to capture eating behaviors in Italy, specifically developed as part of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study, for the Northern Italy population. Results: We analyzed the diet of 319 men and 400 women, mean (±SD) aged 59.0 (± 14.0) and 52.3 (±14.1) respectively. The daily average (±SD) intake of Zn and Cd was 11.99 (±4.31) mg/day and 15.06 (±8.41) μg/day in men and 10.83 (±4.06) mg/day and 13.23 (±7.23) μg/day in women. Dietary intake levels of Zn were above the recommended values and well below the upper safe levels set by SINU for healthy adults. Cd intake did not exceed the safety limits established by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Conclusions: Our analysis suggested that dietary intake of the above-mentioned essential and toxic trace elements characterizing this Northern Italy population is within the range defined as safe by SINU and EFSA

Dietary determinants of serum selenium species in Italian populations

We investigated the correlation between dietary habits with serum levels of selenium (Se) species collected from an Italian community. Consumption of food items was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Cereal intake showed a positive relation with total and organic Se, but null/negative with inorganic Se. Fish and seafood positively correlated with inorganic Se and negatively with organic Se. Correlations were generally negative/null in vegetables (only Se-Cys was positively correlated), while in fruits they were positive with organic species, mainly Se-Cys. Legumes showed inverse relation with overall organic Se, but positive with Se-Cys, Se-TrXr and inorganic Se. Correlation of potatoes intake was negative with Se forms, except a positive one with Se-Cys and selenate. Our results show highly specific associations between intake of selected foods and circulating Se species levels

Assessing multiple sources of cadmium exposure in an Italian population.

Assessing multiple sources of cadmium exposure in an Italian population

Lead exposure in an Italian population: Food content, dietary intake and risk assessment

Background and aim: Lead is a highly toxic heavy metal released into the environment after natural and anthropogenic activities. Excluding populations in occupations where there is possible lead contamination, food is the major source of human exposure. In this study, we determined lead contamination in food and beverages consumed in a Northern Italy community and performed a health risk assessment. Methods: We collected a total of 908 food samples and measured lead levels using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Using a validated food frequency questionnaire, we assessed the dietary habits and estimated daily lead dietary intakes in a sample of 719 adult individuals. We performed risk assessment using a benchmark dose and margin of exposure approach, based on exposure levels for both adverse effect of systolic blood pressure and chronic kidney disease. Results: Foods with the highest lead levels include non-chocolate confectionery (48.7 µg/kg), leafy (39.0 µg/kg) and other vegetables (42.2 µg/kg), and crustaceans and molluscs (39.0 µg/kg). The estimated mean lead intake was 0.155 µg/kg bw-day in all subjects, with little lower intakes in men (0.151 µg/kg bw-day) compared to women (0.157 µg/kg bw-day). Top food contributors were vegetables, cereals, and beverages, particularly wine. In relation to risk assessment, the estimated dietary intake was lower than levels associated with cardiovascular risk and nephrotoxicity. Conclusions: Our study provides an updated assessment of lead food contamination and dietary exposure in a Northern Italian community. The margin of exposure risk assessment approach suggests that risk of detrimental effects due to dietary lead intake is low in the investigated population. Nonetheless, these exposure levels for adverse effects are not reference health standards, and no safety threshold value can be established for lead. As a consequence, other and more subtle adverse effects may still occur in vulnerable and occupationally exposed individuals, particularly in relation to the nervous system

Sodium and potassium content of foods consumed in an Italian population and the impact of adherence to a Mediterranean diet on their intake

High sodium and low potassium intakes are associated with increased levels of blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular diseases. Assessment of habitual dietary habits are helpful to evaluate their intake and adherence to healthy dietary recommendations. In this study, we determined sodium and potassium food-specific content and intake in a Northern Italy community, focusing on the role and contribution of adherence to Mediterranean diet patterns. We collected a total of 908 food samples and measured sodium and potassium content using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, we assessed habitual dietary intake of 719 adult individuals of the Emilia-Romagna region. We then estimated sodium and potassium daily intake for each food based on their relative contribution to the overall diet, and their link to Mediterranean diet patterns. The estimated mean sodium intake was 2.15 g/day, while potassium mean intake was 3.37 g/day. The foods contributing most to sodium intake were cereals (33.2%), meat products (24.5%, especially processed meat), and dairy products (13.6%), and for potassium they were meat (17.1%, especially red and white meat), fresh fruits (15.7%), and vegetables (15.1%). Adherence to a Mediterranean diet had little influence on sodium intake, whereas potassium intake was greatly increased in subjects with higher scores, resulting in a lower sodium/potassium ratio. Although we may have underestimated dietary sodium intake by not including discretionary salt use and there may be some degree of exposure misclassification as a result of changes in food sodium content and dietary habits over time, our study provides an overview of the contribution of a wide range of foods to the sodium and potassium intake in a Northern Italy community and of the impact of a Mediterranean diet on intake. The mean sodium intake was above the dietary recommendations for adults of 1.5–2 g/day, whilst potassium intake was only slightly lower than the recommended 3.5 g/day. Our findings suggest that higher adherence to Mediterranean diet patterns has limited effect on restricting sodium intake, but may facilitate a higher potassium intake, thereby aiding the achievement of healthy dietary recommendations

The relation between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and inorganic selenium in drinking water: a population-based case-control study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>A community in northern Italy was previously reported to have an excess incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis among residents exposed to high levels of inorganic selenium in their drinking water.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>To assess the extent to which such association persisted in the decade following its initial observation, we conducted a population-based case-control study encompassing forty-one newly-diagnosed cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and eighty-two age- and sex-matched controls. We measured long-term intake of inorganic selenium along with other potentially neurotoxic trace elements.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We found that consumption of drinking water containing ≥ 1 μg/l of inorganic selenium was associated with a relative risk for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis of 5.4 (95% confidence interval 1.1-26) after adjustment for confounding factors. Greater amounts of cumulative inorganic selenium intake were associated with progressively increasing effects, with a relative risk of 2.1 (95% confidence interval 0.5-9.1) for intermediate levels of cumulative intake and 6.4 (95% confidence interval 1.3-31) for high intake.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Based on these results, coupled with other epidemiologic data and with findings from animal studies that show specific toxicity of the trace element on motor neurons, we hypothesize that dietary intake of inorganic selenium through drinking water increases the risk for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.</p

First Results of the 140^{140}Ce(n,γ)141^{141}Ce Cross-Section Measurement at n_TOF

An accurate measurement of the $^{140}$Ce(n,γ) energy-dependent cross-section was performed at the n_TOF facility at CERN. This cross-section is of great importance because it represents a bottleneck for the s-process nucleosynthesis and determines to a large extent the cerium abundance in stars. The measurement was motivated by the significant difference between the cerium abundance measured in globular clusters and the value predicted by theoretical stellar models. This discrepancy can be ascribed to an overestimation of the $^{140}$Ce capture cross-section due to a lack of accurate nuclear data. For this measurement, we used a sample of cerium oxide enriched in $^{140}$Ce to 99.4%. The experimental apparatus consisted of four deuterated benzene liquid scintillator detectors, which allowed us to overcome the difficulties present in the previous measurements, thanks to their very low neutron sensitivity. The accurate analysis of the p-wave resonances and the calculation of their average parameters are fundamental to improve the evaluation of the $^{140}$Ce Maxwellian-averaged cross-section