ANN-based approach for the estimation aquifer pollutant source behaviour

The problem of identifying an unknown pollution source in polluted aquifers, based on known contaminant concentrations measurement, is part of the broader group of issues, called inverse problems. This paper investigates the feasibility of solving the groundwater pollution inverse problem by using artificial neural networks (ANNs). The approach consists first in training an ANN to solve the direct problem, where the pollutant concentration in a set of monitoring wells is calculated for a known pollutant source. Successively, the trained ANN is frozen and it is used to solve the inverse problem, where the pollutant source is calculated which corresponds to a set of concentrations in the monitoring wells. The approach has been applied for a real case which deals with the contamination of the Rhine aquifer by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) due to a tanker accident. The obtained results are compared with the solution obtained with a different approach retrieved from literature. The results show the suitability of ANNs-based methods for solving inverse non-linear problems

Induction of Th1 chemokine secretion in dermal fibroblasts by vanadium pentoxide

Vanadium is a soft, silvery-grey metal with a number of different oxidation states. The most common commercial form of vanadium is vanadium pentoxide (V2O5). All vanadium compounds are considered toxic. An increase in skin rashes has been observed in certain vanadium workers, including the development of atopic dermatitis. However, to the best of our knowledge, no prior in vivo or in vitro studies have evaluated the effect of vanadium exposure in human dermal fibroblasts. The present study evaluated the effect of V2O5on proliferation and chemokine secretion in dermal fibroblasts. The results revealed that V2O5had no significant effect on the viability or proliferation of fibroblasts, however it was able to induce the secretion of T-helper (Th)1 chemokines from dermal fibroblasts, synergistically increasing the effect of important Th1 cytokines, including interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α. Through these processes, V2O5may lead to the induction and perpetuation of an inflammatory reaction in dermal tissue. The induction and perpetuation of inflammation in the dermis and the variety of involved candidate genes may be at the base of V2O5-induced effects following occupational and environmental exposures. Further studies are necessary to evaluate dermal integrity and manifestations in subjects who are occupationally exposed, or living in polluted areas

Vanadium pentoxide induces the secretion of CXCL9 and CXCL10 chemokines in thyroid cells

Vanadium is a grey metal, existing in different states of oxidation, whose most common form in commercial products is vanadium pentoxide (V2O5). All vanadium compounds have been considered toxic. A carcinogenic role of vanadium on the thyroid has recently been proposed. However no in vivo or in vitro studies have evaluated thyroid disruption in humans and/or animals after exposure to vanadium. In the present study we evaluate the effect of V2O5on proliferation, and chemokine secretion in normal thyrocytes. Our study demonstrated that V2O5has no effect on thyroid follicular cell viability or proliferation, but it is able to induce the secretion of T-helper (Th)1 chemokines into the thyroid, synergistically increasing the effect of important Th1 cytokines such as interferon (IFN)γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α. Through this process, V2O5promotes the induction and perpetuation of an inflammatory reaction in the thyroid. Further studies are necessary to evaluate thyroid function, and nodules, in subjects occupationally exposed, or living in polluted areas

CXCL8 and CXCL11 chemokine secretion in dermal fibroblasts is differentially modulated by vanadium pentoxide

An increase in skin rashes or atopic dermatitis has been observed in individuals working with vanadium. However, to the best of our knowledge no in vivo or in vitro studies have evaluated the effect of exposure to vanadium in dermal fibroblasts. Cells viability and proliferation were assessed by WST-1 assay, cells were treated with increasing concentrations of V2O5(1, 10 and 100 nM). CXCL8 and CXCL11 concentrations were measured in the supernatants using an ELISA assay. V2O5was not observed as having a significant effect on dermal fibroblast's viability and proliferation. However, it was revealed that V2O5was able to induce the secretion of CXCL8 and CXCL11 chemokines into dermal fibroblasts. V2O5synergistically increased the effect of interferon (IFN)? on CXCL11 secretion. In addition, V2O5synergistically increased the effect of the tumor necrosis factor a on CXCL8 secretion and abolished the inhibitory effect of IFN?. V2O5induction of CXCL8 and CXCL11 chemokines may lead to the appearance and perpetuation of an inflammatory reaction into the dermal tissue. Further studies are required to evaluate dermal integrity and manifestations in subjects occupationally exposed, or living in polluted areas

Evaluation of flu vaccination coverage among healthcare workers during a 3 years’ study period and attitude towards influenza and potential covid-19 vaccination in the context of the pandemic

(1) Background: vaccination of healthcare workers (HCWs) against seasonal influenza is considered the most effective way to protect HCWs, ensure patient’s safety and to maintain essential health care services during influenza epidemics. With the present study we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of incremental bundles of measures implemented during the last three flu campaigns and to assess the attitudes towards influenza vaccination and a potential vaccine against COVID-19 among HCWs, in a large university hospital in Pisa, Italy. (2) Methods: We described measures implemented during 2018/2019, 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 and assessed their impact on flu vaccine coverage (VC) among employees and residents in Pisa university hospital. We considered sex, profession and ward to investigate differences in uptake. In addition, in 2020 a survey was developed and distributed to all employees to evaluate flu and COVID-19 vaccines attitudes. (3) Results: during the 2018/19 and 2019/20 flu campaigns the overall VC rate among HCWs was, respectively, 10.2% and 11.9%. In 2020/21 the overall VC rate jumped to 39.3% (+230.6%). Results from the survey indicated a more positive attitude towards flu vaccine as compared to COVID-19 vaccines among the 10.6% of the staff members who responded to the survey. In addition, 70.97% of HCWs totally agreed that being vaccinated against influenza would be more important than the previous years because of COVID-19 emergency. (4) Conclusions: a significant increase in VC was observed in 2020/21, especially among those sub-groups with consistently lower uptake in previous years. The COVID-19 pandemic positively influenced flu vaccination uptake during the 2020/21 season

Comparative proteomic analysis of malignant pleural mesothelioma: Focusing on the biphasic subtype

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare cancer originated from pleural mesothelial cells. MPM has been associated with long-term exposure to asbestos. In this work we performed a comparative proteomic analysis of biphasic pleural mesothelioma (B-PM). Tissue biopsies were obtained from 61 patients who were subjected to a diagnostic thoracoscopy. 2D/MS based approach was used for proteomic analysis. The 22 proteins found differentially expressed in B-PM, with respect to benign, were analyzed by Ingenuity Pathways Analysis and compared with those obtained for epitheliod pleural mesothelioma (E-PM). A different activation of transcription factors, proteins and cytokines were observed between two subtypes

Putative biomarkers for malignant pleural mesothelioma suggested by proteomic analysis of cell secretome

Background: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) a rare neoplasm linked to asbestos exposure is characterized by a poor prognosis. Soluble mesothelin is currently considered the most specific diagnostic biomarker. The aim of the study was to identify novel biomarkers by proteomic analysis of two MPM cell lines secretome. Materials and Methods: The protein patterns of MPM cells secretome were examined and compared to a non-malignant mesothelial cell line using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry. Serum levels of candidate biomarkers were determined in MPM patients and control subjects. Results: Two up-regulated proteins involved in cancer biology, prosaposin and quiescin Q6 sulfhydryl oxidase 1, were considered candidate biomarkers. Serum levels of both proteins were significantly higher in MPM patients than control subjects. Combining the data of each receiver-operating characteristic analysis predicted a good diagnostic accuracy. Conclusion: A panel of the putative biomarkers represents a promising tool for MPM diagnosis

Inhibition of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRB) using gene silencing, crenolanib besylate, or imatinib mesylate hampers the malignant phenotype of mesothelioma cell lines

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a cancer of the pleural cavity resistant to chemotherapy. The identification of novel therapeutic targets is needed to improve its poor prognosis. Following a review of literature and a screening of specimens we found that platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRB) is over-expressed, but not somatically mutated, in MPM tissues. We aimed to ascertain whether PDGFRB is a MPM-cancer driver gene. The approaches employed included the use of gene silencing and the administration of small molecules, such as crenolanib and imatinib (PDGFR inhibitors) on MPM cell lines (IstMes2, Mero-14, Mero-25). Met5A cells were used as non-malignant mesothelial cell line. PDGFRB-silencing caused a decrease in the proliferation rate, and a reduced colony formation capacity, as well as an increase of the share of cells in sub-G1 and in G2 phase, and increased apoptotic rate of MPM cell lines. Loss of migration ability was also observed. Similar, or even further enhanced, results were obtained with crenolanib. Imatinib showed the least effective activity on the phenotype. In conclusion, our study highlights PDGFRB as target with a clear role in MPM tumorigenesis and provided a rationale to explore further the efficacy of crenolanib in MPM patients, with promising results

Downscaling Climate Change Impacts, Socio-Economic Implications and Alternative Adaptation Pathways for Islands and Outermost Regions

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the future scenarios of climate change and management concerns associated with climate change impacts on the blue economy of European islands and outermost regions. The publication collects major findings of the SOCLIMPACT project’s research outcomes, aiming to raise social awareness among policy-makers and industry about climate change consequences at local level, and provide knowledge-based information to support policy design, from local to national level. This comprehensive book will also assist students, scholars and practitioners to understand, conceptualize and effectively and responsibly manage climate change information and applied research. This book provides invaluable material for Blue Growth Management, theory and application, at all levels. This first edition includes up-to-date data, statistics, references, case material and figures of the 12 islands case studies. ¨Downscaling climate change impacts, socio-economic implications and alternative adaptation pathways for Islands and Outermost Regions¨ is a must-read book, given the accessible style and breadth and depth with which the topic is dealt. The book is an up-to-date synthesis of key knowledge on this area, written by a multidisciplinary group of experts on climate and economic modelling, and policy design