GEOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION OF AQUIFER POLLUTION FROM WASTE MANAGEMENT. THE CASE OF KOMOTINI LANDFILL (GREECE)

According to European legislation, environmental control and monitoring of landfills has become of crucial importance. This study includes a thorough geochemical approach aiming to evaluate the environmental impact of the landfill of Komotini, N. Greece. Samples of waters were taken from inside the working landfill as well as from the area of the neighbouring old landfill. The waters were analyzed chemically (major elements and heavy metals) and isotopically (D and 18O). Also, biogas flow was measured and the ratio CH4/CO2. Based on the geomorphological, hydrogeological and land use data of the area, we proceeded to analyses of waters both from the area of the landfill and from the wider region (drainage basin). The obtained results were used to construct digital maps (GIS) in order to determine the special dispersion of the polluted aquifers. The biogas flow in the old and new garbage burial sites was measured by accumulation chamber device for methane and carbon dioxide ratio determination. The obtained results show an important agent of pollution in the water samples downstream from the landfill and in a distance more than 2km, along the dispersion of the leachate. The land use of the area was taken into account to evaluate the importance and the criticality of the situation

Nanocomposite sprayed films with photo-thermal properties for remote bacteria eradication

Currently there is a strong demand for novel protective materials with effcient antibacterial properties. Nanocomposite materials loaded with photo-thermally active nanoparticles can offer promising opportunities due to the local increase of temperature upon near-infrared (NIR) light exposure capable of eradicating bacteria. In this work, we fabricated antibacterial films obtained by spraying on glass slides aqueous solutions of polymers, containing highly photo-thermally active gold nanostars (GNS) or Prussian Blue (PB) nanoparticles. Under NIR light irradiation with low intensities (0.35W/cm2) these films demonstrated a pronounced photo-thermal effect: 06Tmax up to 26.4 ffC for the GNS-containing films and 06Tmax up to 45.8 ffC for the PB-containing films. In the latter case, such a local temperature increase demonstrated a remarkable effect on a Gram-negative strain (P. aeruginosa) killing (84% of dead bacteria), and a promising effect on a Gram-positive strain (S. aureus) eradication (69% of dead bacteria). The fabricated films are promising prototypes for further development of lightweight surfaces with effcient antibacterial action that can be remotely activated on demand

Pulmonary arterial hypertension and interstitial lung fibrosis in systemic sclerosis: One-stop shop assessment with cardiac and chest ultrasound

Background: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are common complications of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Echocardiography evaluates PAH, and chest sonography detects even mild ILC as ultrasound lung comets (ULC), i.e. multiple comet-tails fanning out from the lung surface and originating from subpleural interlobular septa thickened by fibrosis. Aim: to assess ILD and PAH by integrated cardiac and chest ultrasound in SSc. Materials and methods: We enrolled 30 consecutive SSc patients (age=54?13 years, 23 females) in the Rheumatology Clinic of Pisa University. In all, we assessed Systolic Pulmonary Arterial Pressure (SPAP), from maximal velocity of tricuspid regurgitation flow, and ULC score with chest sonography (summing the number of ULC from each scanning space of anterior and posterior right and left chest, from second to fifth intercostal space). All patients underwent plasma assay for anti-topoisomerase antibodies (anti-Scl70), associated with development of pulmonary fibrosis. Twenty-eight patients also underwent High Resolution Computed Tomography, HRCT (from 0=no fibrosis to 3=honey combing). Results: ULC number - but not SPAP - was correlated to HRCT fibrosis and presence SSc-70 antibodies (see figure). ULC number was similar in localized or diffuse forms (16?20 vs. 21?19, p=ns) and was unrelated to SPAP (r=0.216, p=ns). Conclusions: Cardiac and chest sonography assessment of SPAP and ULC allow a complete, simple, radiation-free characterization of vascular and interstitial lung involvement in SSc - all in one setting and with the same instrument, same transducer and the same sonographer. In particular, ULC number, but not SPAP, is associated with HRCT evidence of lung fibrosis and presence of Scl-70 antibodies

Fluid geochemistry of the Los Humeros geothermal field (LHGF - Puebla, Mexico): New constraints for the conceptual model

Geothermal power in Mexico is mainly produced in four geothermal fields operated by the Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE): Cerro Prieto, Los Azufres, Los Humeros, and Las Tres Virgenes. The Los Humeros Geothermal Field (LHGF) is ranked third in terms of generated capacity, and in the last decade its installed capacity has doubled (up to 95.0 MW). Further increases in the geothermal power generation capacity in Mexico are planned, and thus the LHGF warrants further examination. The development and growth phases of any geothermal project must start from an awareness of the conceptual model of the natural system studied. The recharge mechanism, feeding zones, and fluid flow-path must be identified, along with the estimation of the temperature at the productive level and of phase separation (liquid - steam). To accomplish this, detailed fluid geochemical surveys were carried out in June 2017 and March 2018, in which 57 and 87 samples were collected, respectively, from cold and thermal springs, water wells and maar lakes located around and inside the LHGF. Samples from fumaroles inside the producing area were also collected for the first time, together with fluid from re-injection wells. The presence of a meteoric component, which plays an important role at the regional scale, is confirmed by the chemical and isotope data, and its contribution in terms of recharge may be higher than previously assumed. The Sierra Madre Oriental, on the west side of the LHGF, is characterized by widespread outcrops of limestone belonging to the same geological formation as those at the bottom of the LHGF. The isotope composition (delta D and delta O-18, respectively -77.3 parts per thousand and -10.50 parts per thousand for the hypothetical Infiltration Water IW) is similar to that observed in cold springs located in the Sierra Madre Oriental, and from this the evolution of isotopes in the liquid-rock-steam system during water-rock interaction and phase separation processes can be modelled. Thus, the experimental data obtained for natural gas emissions (fumarolic condensates) and for geothermal fluids can be reproduced. These findings suggest that geothermal fluids in the LHGF are likely to be derived from meteoric water infiltrating (IW) the limestone outcrops of the Sierra Madre Oriental. During their flow-path, the infiltrating waters exchange isotopes at a high temperature with the crustal rocks, which have a much higher O-18/O-16 ratio, resulting in a shift towards higher delta O-18 (-4.35 parts per thousand +/- 1) as the water O exchanges with rock O. The vapor phase can be separated from this deep water (DW) and it is discharged from the fumarolic effluents of Loma Blanca. Single Step Vapor Separation (SSVS) and Continuous Steam Separation processes (CSS) were modelled using stable isotopes of water. The results of geochemical modeling agree with available data for geothermal liquids discharged from several geothermal wells, suggesting that steam separation may be interpreted either as SSVS or CSS. Other processes can affect the chemistry and isotope composition of geothermal fluids (e.g. phase segregation, gas exchange, contributions from magmatic-volcanic deep fluids and re-injection fluids). The proposed conceptual model is consistent with both the geochemical data and the geological setting, and provides a useful point of reference for examining the fluid flow-path and geochemical processes active in the LHGF, at least at a general level. An involvement of magmatic-volcanic deep fluids in the feeding mechanism of the geothermal system cannot be excluded at priori, but the regional meteoric end-member is supported by the data and it seems the most important component

Aderenza allo screening per il cancro della cervice uterina in una coorte italiana di donne affette da LES [Adherence to cervical cancer screening in an Italian SLE cohort]

OBJECTIVE: Papanicolau (Pap) smear abnormalities are more frequently observed in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) respect to the general population. The primary objective of the present study was to evaluate the adherence to cervical cancer (CC) screening in an Italian cohort of SLE patients and, secondly, to evaluate the disease-related factors possibly influencing the patients' behavior. METHODS: Consecutive 25 to 64 year old SLE patients and aged- matched healthy women were enrolled for the study. All patients were interviewed during ambulatory visits, at admission to the clinic or by a telephone contact; disease related variables were also collected from the clinical charts. RESULTS: 140 SLE patients (mean age 48.3±12 years) and 70 controls matched for demographic and sociocultural characteristics were enrolled. Ninety-three SLE patients (66.4%) declared to perform the Pap test at least every three years (23.6% yearly and 42.8% when asked by the screening programs) while 47 (33.6%) did not perform regular CC screening (16.4% never did the test and 17.1% only occasionally). No significant differences were observed between patients and controls in cancer screening adherence. No significant associations were observed between the screening program behaviors and disease-related variables. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the growing evidence of an increased risk of CC in SLE, and regardless of the broad availability of screening programs and official recommendations, our results show insufficient CC surveillance among SLE patients and emphasize to rheumatologists and/or general practitioners the importance to discuss with patients this aspect during routine evaluations in order to encourage compliance to the recommended preventive measures

Linee guida per l’elaborazione del modello idrogeologico concettuale

Introduzione. Il presente quaderno tecnico affronta il tema del modello idrogeologico concettuale, ovvero di quel passaggio dalle categorie storicamente qualitative, naturalistiche della geologia classica, a quelle di un inquadramento stringente, coerente e quantificato dell’idrogeologia applicata e dei suoi corollari numerici. Vengono di seguito descritti metodi, strumenti e concetti per una corretta elaborazione del modello concettuale, ovvero come conglobare l’informazione meteo-climatica, idrochimica, geochimica, agronomica, litologica, petro- chimica ed idrologica in uno schema coerente che consenta la sintesi olistica della dinamica delle acque sotterranee e di quanto esse veicolano, in un quadro comprensibile anche ad altre categorie tecnico-professionali. Un modello concettuale, correttamente concepito, agevola la comprensione dei fenomeni accaduti e la previsione di cosa potrà succedere anche, ma non solo, in conseguenza di azioni antropiche in atto o in programmazione. Si è quindi affrontato anche il tema delle normative che trattano la materia in riferimento alla programmazione ter- ritoriale, alla progettazione di manufatti ed opere ed alla tutela ed al risanamento dell’ambiente. Il modello concettuale è base imprescindibile per ogni successiva valutazione quantitativa. In assenza di un modello verificato e robusto, non solo il passaggio all’implementazione di un modello numerico è velleitario, ma anche i semplici calcoli deterministico-analitici, più ampiamente diffusi ed applicati, rischiano di perdere ogni significato pratico. Ovviamente il quaderno non ha alcuna pretesa di esaustività né di formulare codici, ma cerca semplicemente di for- nire ai colleghi una traccia utile, ancorché insufficiente se non corredata dagli approfondimenti che ciascuno di noi è sempre tenuto a fare, per soddisfare in scienza e coscienza le esigenze dei committenti. Il paragrafo bibliografia e l’annesso glossario servono proprio a questo

S.13.1 Safety and efficacy of rituximab in SSc: an analysis from the European Scleroderma Trial and Research Group

Objectives. Objective of this multicentre, observational study was to assess effects and safety of rituximab (RTX) using the European Scleroderma Trial and Research Group (EUSTAR) cohort. Methods. EUSTAR centres were asked to provide specific data about SSc patients treated with RTX. Primary endpoints were predefined for different disease manifestations and compared between baseline and follow-up. Normally distributed data, analysed by paired t-test, are shown as mean (s.d.), and non-parametric data, analysed by Wilcoxon matched paired signed-rank test, are shown as median and interquartile range. Results. Data on 72 SSc patients treated with RTX were captured from 27 EUSTAR centres (51 females/21 males, 52 diffuse/19 limited, age 51 (44-60) years, disease duration 6 (3-10) years, 47 anti-Scl-70 positive). The most frequent RTX application scheme was 1000 mg × 2 within 2 weeks (57/72 patients). Co-treatment with other immunosuppressive drugs was reported in 28 patients. The modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) significantly decreased vs baseline at 7 (5-9) months follow-up (n = 47, 18.2 + 10.9 vs 14.5 + 9.9, P = 0.0002). This was true for both patients with later disease stages and also for patients with earlier, extended skin fibrosis (dSSc with mRSS >16 at baseline, n = 26; 26.5 + 6.8 vs 20.4 + 8.9, P < 0.0001, reduction by 29.9%). S-HAQ was unchanged, but the European SSc activity score improved after rituximab treatment [n = 10; 3.7 (2.6-6.4) vs 1.7 (0.9-2.5), P = 0.01]. RTX had no effects on lung fibrosis (FVC, DLCO, TLC, HRCT score) in n = 11 patients with evidence for SSc-ILD. In SSc-polyarthritis patients, the DAS-28 declined at 6 months follow-up without reaching statistical significance [n = 8; 4.8 (2.5-7.5) vs 3.7 (2.6-6.6); p = 0.3]. Of 8, 5patients were RF and/or anti-CCP antibody positive. Similar results were obtained for secondary outcome measures (tender and swollen joint count, VAS, CRP, ESR). Additional positive effects of RTX were seen on SSc-related myopathy (CK levels, 273 + 177 vs 184 + 139; n = 12, P = 0.03) and on digital ulcers [total number per patient 1 (1-3) vs 0 (0-1); n = 23; P = 0.0086]. During RTX treatment 14 patients had infections, 3 serum sickness, 2 allergic reactions and 1 lung fibrosis aggravation, 29 fatigue and 9 nausea. Four patients died, one possibly related to RTX treatment (pneumonia and cardiac failure 1.5 months after RTX infusion). Conclusion. This large EUSTAR cohort study points at positive effects of RTX in particular on skin fibrosis, and suggests randomized controlled trial in SSc patient

[Ultrasound lung comets: new echographic sign of lung interstitial fibrosis in systemic sclerosis].

Objective: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are common complications of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Echocardiography evaluates PAH, and chest sonography detects even mild ILC as ultrasound lung comets (ULC), i.e. multiple comet-tails fanning out from the lung surface and originating from subpleural interlobular septa thickened by fibrosis. Aim: to assess ILaD and PAH by integrated cardiac and chest ultrasound in SSc. Methods: We enrolled 30 consecutive SSc patients (age= 54±13 years, 23 females) in the Rheumatology Clinic of Pisa University. In all, we assessed systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (SPAP), from maximal velocity of tricuspid regurgitation flow, and ULC score with chest sonography (summing the number of ULC from each scanning space of anterior and posterior right and left chest, from second to fifth intercostal space). All patients underwent plasma assay for anti-topoisomerase antibodies (anti-Scl70), and antiicentromere associated with development of pulmonary involvement. Twenty-eight patients also underwent high resolution computed tomography, HRCT (from 0= no fibrosis to 3= honey combing). Results: ULC number - but not SPAP - was correlated to HRCT fibrosis and presence Scl-70 antibodies. ULC number was similar in localized or diffuse forms (16±20 vs 21±19, p=ns) and was unrelated to SPAP (r=0.216, p=ns). Conclusions: Chest sonography assessment and ULC allow a complete, simple, radiation-free characterization of interstitial lung involvement in SSc - all in one setting and with the same instrument, same transducer and the same sonographer. In particular, ULC number is associated with HRCT evidence of lung fibrosis and presence of Scl-70 antibodies

Linee guida di idrogeologia: approccio ai progetti

Da Cap. Introduzione: Lavorare in idrogeologia significa studiare il moto delle acque sotterranee, la geometria degli acquiferi, la dinamica dell’interazione fra acque sotterranee di differenti acquiferi e fra queste e le acque superficiali; non solo, significa anche comprendere come e perché opere antropiche, sia intenzionalmente che involontariamente, interagiscono con la risorsa acqua e conoscere metodologie e tecniche per progettare in modo ecosostenibile e nel rispetto della risorsa stessa. Nessun progetto di opera che interagisce, intenzionalmente o meno, poco o tanto, con le acque sotterranee può prescindere da un adeguato studio idrogeologico. I capitoli che seguono non pretendono il titolo di manuale, né aspirano a quello di “Bignami” di idrogeologia; le stesse parole “linee guida” presenti nel titolo, lungi dal presumere ogni valore normatorio, hanno solo carattere esplicativo, non una regola, ma piuttosto una traccia, anche perché la “dinamicità” con cui i quadri normativi comunitari, nazionali, regionali e locali si sono recentemente evoluti non permette di confrontarsi con un ambito di leggi e consuetudini collaudato e consolidato. Scopo esclusivo del documento è quello di fornire una guida ai colleghi, liberi professionisti o funzionari che siano, alle prese con la preparazione di studi, relazioni, istruttorie, controlli in materia di risorsa idrica. La prima parte dell’elaborato sintetizza i metodi e gli strumenti dell’idrogeologia (dal rilievo geologico alla geofisica, alla geochimica, ai metodi modellistici), puntualizzando i contenuti indispensabili e opzionali della relazione idrogeologica e della carta idrogeologica; la seconda parte tratta, più specificamente, di normativa e supporto idrogeologico per alcuni selezionati campi di attività (siti inquinati e discariche, viabilità ed infrastrutture lineari, ricerca idrica, pianificazione, attività estrattive). Il documento, privo di qualsiasi pretesa di esaustività sulle problematiche trattate, ha mirato comunque, approfittando della ricchezza di punti di vista derivante dalla vasta gamma di ruoli svolti nella professione dai colleghi della commissione, ad armonizzare le posizioni in un documento tecnico, forse dissonante nello stile, ma univoco negli scopi. Il capitolo 9 “Viabilità ed infrastrutture lineari” tratta del supporto idrogeologico per viabilità, in galleria o meno, di una certa rilevanza regionale; gli stessi approfondimenti, ovviamente tarati sull’importanza dell’opera, sono validi anche per le viabilità Provinciali e Comunali e per le minori. Un accenno a parte per il capitolo 10 “Ricerca idrica ed opere di approvvigionamento idrico” dove è stato ripreso in toto il documento della Commissione Pozzi del 2005, aggiornandolo ed aggiungendo un capitolo relativo alle sorgenti ed un capitolo su problematiche ambientali in cui fra l’altro si è affrontato il critico argomento, purtroppo in Italia ad oggi sottostimato (garbatissimo eufemismo), della definizione, mantenimento e ripristino della separazione fra falde idriche naturalmente distinte. Per quanto concerne le sorgenti, la trattazione tecnico-scientifica è stata privilegiata rispetto a quella burocratico-procedurale, soprattutto perché, nel 90% dei casi, l’iter burocratico per autorizzazioni e concessioni per le sorgenti è identico a quello per i pozzi, alla cui trattazione quindi si rimanda. Riguardo alla Pianificazione (capitolo 11), si è scelto di trattare a grandi linee solo la pianificazione a scala comunale nella Regione Toscana. Il settore pianificazione idrogeologica, che non poteva ovviamente essere omesso in un documento che tratta di idrogeologia, è un settore che in Italia è stato sviluppato, con un certo grado di approfondimento, solo in alcune regioni del nord, regioni che hanno dovuto affrontare gravi emergenze; per il resto, in genere, esso è sempre considerato, quando sia preso in considerazione, come appendice della pianificazione urbanistico-edilizia. La mancanza di norme specifiche in materia rende necessario un approccio di tipo scientifico-tecnico ed una trattazione ben più vasta ed articolata di quella necessaria per semplici linee guida quali sono, o per lo meno vorrebbero essere, quelle che seguono