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BackgroundSeveral studies have reported a low prevalence of current smoking among hospitalized COVID-19 cases; however, no definitive conclusions can be drawn. ObjectiveWe investigated the association of tobacco smoke exposure with nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) test results for SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease severity accounting for possible confounders. MethodsThe nationwide, self-administered, cross-sectional web-based Italian National Epidemiological Survey on COVID-19 (EPICOVID19) was administered to an Italian population of 198,822 adult volunteers who filled in an online questionnaire between April 13 and June 2, 2020. For this study, we analyzed 6857 individuals with known NPS test results. The associations of smoking status and the dose-response relationship with a positive NPS test result and infection severity were calculated as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs by means of logistic and multinomial regression models adjusting for sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics. ResultsOut of the 6857 individuals (mean age 47.9 years, SD 14.1; 4516/6857, 65.9% female), 63.2% (4334/6857) had never smoked, 21.3% (1463/6857) were former smokers, and 15.5% (1060/6857) were current smokers. Compared to nonsmokers, current smokers were younger, were more educated, were less affected by chronic diseases, reported COVID-19–like symptoms less frequently, were less frequently hospitalized, and less frequently tested positive for COVID-19. In multivariate analysis, current smokers had almost half the odds of a positive NPS test result (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.45-0.65) compared to nonsmokers. We also found a dose-dependent relationship with tobacco smoke: mild smokers (adjusted OR [aOR] 0.76, 95% CI 0.55-1.05), moderate smokers (aOR 0.56, 95% CI 0.42-0.73), and heavy smokers (aOR 0.38, 95% CI 0.27-0.53). This inverse association also persisted when considering the severity of the infection. Current smokers had a statistically significantly lower probability of having asymptomatic (aOR 0.50, 95% CI 0.27-0.92), mild (aOR 0.65, 95% CI 0.53-0.81), and severe infections (aOR 0.27, 95% CI 0.17-0.42) compared to those who never smoked. ConclusionsCurrent smoking was negatively associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection with a dose-dependent relationship. Ad hoc experimental studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this association. Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04471701; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04471701

The synthesis of the previously‐reported atomically‐precise [Rh16Au6(CO)36]6− (1) nanocluster has been optimized by screening different reaction variables like solvent, stoichiometric ratio, counterion and atmosphere. Its multivalence properties have also been studied by means of electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical techniques; the results pointed out a remarkable electron‐sponge behaviour, as under such experimental conditions 1 is capable to release one electron and accept up to four more, while retaining its molecular structure. This scarce structural variation has been confirmed through DFT calculations on those species whose redox processes showed the maximum reversibility, namely [Rh16Au6(CO)36]7− and [Rh16Au6(CO)36]5−. Moreover, we report herein the isolation and characterization of the new [Rh10Au(CO)26]3− (2) nanocluster, which represents one of the major fallouts of the synthetic pathway investigation of 1. Finally, we disclosed the existence of further species that, from preliminary results, appear to be new large atomically‐precise Rh−Au nanoclusters, which will be the subject of future investigations. Cluster 2 has been identified via single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, and the characterization of both clusters 1 and 2 completed by infrared (IR) spectroscopy and Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI‐MS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of the previously‐reported atomically‐precise [Rh16Au6(CO)36]6− (1) nanocluster has been optimized by screening different reaction variables like solvent, stoichiometric ratio, counterion and atmosphere. Its multivalence properties have also been studied by means of electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical techniques; the results pointed out a remarkable electron‐sponge behaviour, as under such experimental conditions 1 is capable to release one electron and accept up to four more, while retaining its molecular structure. This scarce structural variation has been confirmed through DFT calculations on those species whose redox processes showed the maximum reversibility, namely [Rh16Au6(CO)36]7− and [Rh16Au6(CO)36]5−. Moreover, we report herein the isolation and characterization of the new [Rh10Au(CO)26]3− (2) nanocluster, which represents one of the major fallouts of the synthetic pathway investigation of 1. Finally, we disclosed the existence of further species that, from preliminary results, appear to be new large atomically‐precise Rh−Au nanoclusters, which will be the subject of future investigations. Cluster 2 has been identified via single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, and the characterization of both clusters 1 and 2 completed by infrared (IR) spectroscopy and Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI‐MS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of hexagonal NaBiF4 co‐doped with Tb3+ and Eu3+(NaBi0.75−xTb0.25EuxF4; with x=0, 5, 10, 20 and 30) was achieved via a facile and fast precipitation route at 35 °C. Powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) and luminescence spectroscopy have been employed to characterize and investigate the materials. The study of luminescence spectroscopy and decay kinetics of the 5D4 excited state of Tb3+ provides the evidence of a Tb3+→Eu3+ energy transfer process. Sodium citrate has been adopted as capping agent to promote a homogeneous dispersion of the materials into water and to protect the inorganic host, which is water sensitive, from direct contact with this molecule. The comparison of luminescence properties between bare and citrate‐capped samples of NaBiF4 co‐doped with Tb3+ and Eu3+ reveals a marked difference in the Tb3+→Eu3+ energy transfer efficiency, which has been tentatively explained on the basis of a different environment surrounding the lanthanide ions in the two families of compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical pollution poses a significant threat to human health, with detrimental effects on various physiological systems, including the respiratory, cardiovascular, mental, and perinatal domains. While the impact of pollution on these systems has been extensively studied, the intricate relationship between chemical pollution and immunity remains a critical area of investigation. The focus of this study is to elucidate the relationship between chemical pollution and human immunity. To accomplish this task, this study presents a comprehensive review that encompasses in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies, shedding light on the ways in which chemical pollution can modulate human immunity. Our aim is to unveil the complex mechanisms by which environmental contaminants compromise the delicate balance of the body's defense systems going beyond the well-established associations with defense systems and delving into the less-explored link between chemical exposure and various immune disorders, adding urgency to our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and their implications for public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two cationic enantiomeric complexes [(R,R)-[YbL]Cl and (S,S)-[YbL]Cl with L = N,N0-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)- 1,2-(R,R or S,S)-cyclohexanediamine functionalized at sp³ N with picolinate antennae] have been synthesized and spectroscopically characterized in polar protic solvents, such as water and methanol. The Yb(III) luminescence at about 980 nm is efficiently sensitized upon excitation of the picolinate antenna in the UV spectral region around 330 nm. The complexes exhibit good CPL activity for the ²F5/2 - ²F7/2 magnetic dipole (MD) allowed transition (glum values of |0.02| and |0.04| at 984 nm and 1021 nm, respectively) and high solubility in aqueous solution. The YbL species is largely predominant at physiological pH (7.4), given its high thermodynamic stability (log bYbL = 20.98). As elucidated by DFT calculations, among the possible isomeric species the one characterized by the cis-O, O-N, N geometry was found to be dominant. Furthermore, one solvent molecule is bound to Ln(III) in water, giving rise to 9-fold coordination at the metal ion. The enantiomeric (R,R)-[YbL]Cl and (S,S)-[YbL]Cl complexes can be considered promising candidates as NIR-to-NIR chiroptical bioprobes also for in vivo experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a comparative study of the redox properties of the icosahedral [Rh12E(CO)27]n− (n = 4 when E = Ge or Sn and n = 3 when E = Sb or Bi) family of clusters through in situ infrared spectroelectrochemistry experiments and density functional theory computational studies. These clusters show shared characteristics in terms of molecular structure, being all E-centered icosahedral species, and electron counting, possessing 170 valence electrons as predicted by the electron-counting rules, based on the cluster-borane analogy, for compounds with such metal geometry. However, in some cases, clusters of similar nuclearity, and beyond, may show multivalence behavior and may be stable with a different electron counting, at least on the time scale of the electrochemical analyses. The experimental results, confirmed by theoretical calculations, showed a remarkable electron-sponge behavior for [Rh12Ge(CO)27]4− (1), [Rh12Sb(CO)27]3− (3), and [Rh12Bi(CO)27]3− (4), with a cluster charge going from −2 to −6 for 1 and 3 and from −2 to −7 for cluster 4, making them examples of molecular electron reservoirs. The [Rh12Sn(CO)27]4− (2) derivative, conversely, presents a limited ability to exist in separable reduced cluster species, at least within the experimental conditions, while in the gas phase it appears to be stable both as a penta- and hexa-anion, therefore showing a similar redox activity as its congeners. As a fallout of those studies, during the preparation of [Rh12Sb(CO)27]3−, we were able to isolate a new species, namely, [Rh11Sb(CO)26]2−, which presents a Sb-centered nido-icosahedral metal structure possessing 158 cluster valence electrons, in perfect agreement with the polyhedral skeletal electron pair theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), comprising exosomes and microvesicles, are small membranous structures secreted by nearly all cell types. They have emerged as crucial mediators in intercellular communication, playing pivotal roles in diverse physiological and pathological processes, notably within the realm of immunity. These roles go beyond mere cellular interactions, as extracellular vesicles stand as versatile and dynamic components of immune regulation, impacting both innate and adaptive immunity. Their multifaceted involvement includes immune cell activation, antigen presentation, and immunomodulation, emphasising their significance in maintaining immune homeostasis and contributing to the pathogenesis of immune-related disorders. Extracellular vesicles participate in immunomodulation by delivering a wide array of bioactive molecules, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, thereby influencing gene expression in target cells. This manuscript presents a comprehensive review that encompasses in vitro and in vivo studies aimed at elucidating the mechanisms through which EVs modulate human immunity. Understanding the intricate interplay between extracellular vesicles and immunity is imperative for unveiling novel therapeutic targets and diagnostic tools applicable to various immunological disorders, including autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and cancer. Furthermore, recognising the potential of EVs as versatile drug delivery vehicles holds significant promise for the future of immunotherapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this contribution, two couples of cationic enantiomeric complexes [(R,R)-[LnL]Cl and (S,S)-[LnL]Cl, with Ln = Sm and Eu and L = N,N′-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,2-(R,R or S,S)-cyclohexanediamine functionalized at sp3 N with the picolinate antennae2] have been synthesized and spectroscopically characterized in polar protic solvents, such as water and methanol. The good sensitization of Sm(III) and Eu(III) luminescence by the picolinate antenna is documented, upon both a one photon absorption process (at about 330 nm) and a two photon absorption process (at 720 nm). The complexes exhibit good CPL activity, in particular for the magnetic dipole (MD) allowed transitions, which are the 4G5/2 → 6H5/2 (564 nm) of Sm(III) and the 5D0 → 7F1 (593 nm) of Eu(III). Both complexes are highly stable in aqueous solution (log K = 20.13 for the EuL species chosen as the representative) and only one main species is present at physiological pH (7.4). Among the three possible isomeric complexes, DFT calculations on the Y(III) counterpart reveal the highest stability of the C1-symmetric cis–O, O–N, N isomer, in agreement with the presence of only one Eu(III) emitting species in solution. Furthermore, one solvent molecule is bound to the metal ions, giving rise to 9-fold coordinated complexes. Preliminary biphotonic imaging experiments on the (S,S)-[EuL]Cl complex reveal that it can be easily internalized in two different cell lines (namely 293T cancer cells and THP-1 macrophages) with perinuclear diffuse localisation in the cytosol. Both Sm(III) and Eu(III) complexes can be considered promising candidates as NIR-to-RED in cellulo chiroptical bioprobes and a possible extension to the in vivo experiment will be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this contribution, we present the spectroscopic study of two NIR emitting hydrophobic heteroleptic (R,R)-YbL1(tta) and (R,R)-NdL1(tta) complexes (with tta = 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetonate and L1 = N,N′-bis(2-(8-hydroxyquinolinate)methylidene)-1,2-(R,R or S,S)-cyclohexanediamine), both in methanol solution and embedded in water dispersible and biocompatible poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles. Thanks to their absorption properties in a wide range of wavelengths extending from the UV up to the blue and green visible regions, the emission of these complexes can be effectively sensitized using visible radiation, which is much less harmful to tissues and skin than the UV one. The encapsulation of the two Ln(III)-based complexes in PLGA allows us to preserve their nature, making them stable in water and to test their cytotoxicity on two different cell lines, with the aim of using them in the future as potential bioimaging optical probes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During pregnancy, maternal nutrition and lifestyle play a critical role in influencing fetal development and newborn health outcomes. The aim of this study is to investigate the factors influencing the adherence to dietary patterns in pregnant women living in highly contaminated areas, and whether women with higher environmental risk perception manifest different nutritional behaviors during pregnancy. Food consumption data on 816 pregnant women from the Neonatal Environment and Health Outcomes (NEHO) residential birth cohort were analyzed. Dietary patterns were computed by principal component analysis. A multinomial logistic regression was also applied to identify sociodemographic, lifestyle, and pregnancy-related determinants of adherence to dietary patterns during pregnancy. Three patterns of food consumption—explaining 24.9% of the total variance—were identified as "prudent", "high energy", and "vegetarian" patterns. Results suggest that food choices during pregnancy follow a social gradient and align with other health behaviors during pregnancy: older, better educated, and physically active women with higher risk perception are more likely to follow healthier dietary patterns. Knowledge about what is eaten can contribute to dietary choices. Interventions to improve the prenatal nutrition knowledge of pregnant women are needed, especially concerning younger mothers and those with lower educational levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of synthetic Fe-chelates stands for the most established agronomical practice to alleviate lime-induced chlorosis, which still constitutes a major agronomic problem. However, the percolation through the soil profile due to the negative charge of the most deployed molecules results in agronomical and environmental problems. H2bpcd/Fe3+ complex features distinctive chemical characteristics, including moderate stability of the Fe(bpcd)C species (logbML = 20.86) and a total positive charge, and we studied its behavior in soil and regreening effects on cucumber plants. Soil column experiments have underlined that H2bpcd/Fe3+ is retained in more amounts than EDDHA/Fe3+. The new ligand was not proven to be toxic for the cucumber and maize seedlings. A concentration of 20 mM H2bpcd/Fe3+ attained regreening of Fe-deficient cucumber plants grown in the hydroponic solution supplied with CaCO3; similar to that shown by EDDHA/Fe3+. Experiments with a 2 mM concentration of 57Fe showed that cucumber roots absorbed H2bpcd/57Fe3+ at a slower rate than EDTA/57Fe3+. The high kinetic inertness of H2bpcd/Fe3+ may explain such behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the first example of very efficient NIR Circularly Polarized Luminescence (CPL) (around 970 nm) in water, obtained thanks to the combined use of a chiral Yb complex and of poly lactic‐co‐glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles. [YbL(tta)2]CH3COO (L=N, N'‐bis(2‐pyridylmethylidene)‐1,2‐(R,R+S,S) cyclohexanediamine and tta=2‐thenoyltrifluoroacetonate) shows good CPL in organic solvents, because the tta ligands efficiently sensitize Yb NIR luminescence and the readily prepared chiral ligand L endows the complex with the necessary dissymmetry. PLGA nanoparticles incorporate the complex and protect the metal ion from the intrusion of solvent molecules, while ensuring biocompatibility, water solubility and stability to the complex. Hydrophilic NIR‐CPL optical probes can find applications in the field of NIR‐CPL bio‐assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chiral cationic complex [Ru(η1‐OAc)(CO)((R,R)‐Skewphos)(phen)]OAc (2R), isolated from reaction of [Ru(η1‐OAc)(η2‐OAc)(R,R)‐Skewphos)(CO)] (1R) with phen, reacts with NaOPiv and KSAc affording [RuX(CO)((R,R)‐Skewphos)(phen)]Y (X=Y=OPiv 3R; X=SAc, Y=OAc 4R). The corresponding enantiomers 2S‐4S have been obtained from 1S containing (S,S)‐Skewphos. Reaction of 2R and 2S with (S)‐cysteine and NaPF6 at pH=9 gives the diastereoisomers [Ru((S)‐Cys)(CO)(PP)(phen)]PF6 (PP=(R,R)‐Skewphos 2R‐Cys; (S,S)‐Skewphos 2S‐Cys). The DFT energetic profile for 2R with (S)‐cysteine in H2O indicates that aquo and hydroxo species are involved in formation of 2R‐Cys. The stability of the ruthenium complexes in 0.9 % w/v NaCl solution, PBS and complete DMEM medium, as well as their n‐octanol/water partition coefficient (logP), have been evaluated. The chiral complexes show high cytotoxic activity against SW1736, 8505 C, HCT‐116 and A549 cell lines with EC50 values of 2.8–0.04 μM. The (R,R)‐Skewphos derivatives show higher cytotoxicity compared to their enantiomers, 4R (EC50=0.04 μM) being 14 times more cytotoxic than 4S against the anaplastic thyroid cancer 8505 C cell line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stabilised sulfur ylides are synthetically appealing compounds, which reactivity under Brønsted acid catalysis has been poorly explored. Herein, we report a new catalyst‐ and substrate‐ dependent chemodivergent reaction between stabilised sulfur ylides and salicylaldehydes, leading to the (suprising) formation of 2H‐chromenes or dihydrobenzofurans products. Particular attention was set on the unusual mechanisms involved. Two unique reaction routes including two ylide units in the reactions are proposed. These pathways were validated by performing a selectivity switch in some cases, enabled by the modulation of the nucleophilicity of the sulfur ylide, and by the loading of the Brønsted acid catalyst in the reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at surveying lower secondary schools in southern Italy, in a highly polluted area. A community close to an industrial area and three villages in rural areas was investigated. Indoor temperature, relative humidity (RH), gaseous pollutants (CO2 and NO2), selected biological pollutants in indoor dust, and the indoor/outdoor mass concentration and elemental composition of PM2.5 were ascertained. Temperature and RH were within, or close to, the comfort range, while CO2 frequently exceeded the threshold of 1000 ppm, indicating inadequate air exchange rate. In all the classrooms, median NO2 levels were above the WHO threshold value. Dermatophagoides p. allergen concentration was below the sensitizing threshold, while high endotoxin levels were detected in the classrooms, suggesting schools may produce significant risks of endotoxin exposure. Concentration and solubility of PM2.5 elements were used to identify the sources of indoor particles. Indoor concentration of most elements was higher than outdoors. Resuspension was responsible for the indoor increase in soil components. For elements from industrial emission (Cd, Co, Ni, Pb, Sb, Tl, V), the indoor concentration depended on penetration from the outside. For these elements, differences in rural vs industrial concentrations were found, suggesting industrial sources may influence indoor air quality nearby schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of the [Rh7(CO)16]3− cluster anion with Ge2+ salts, in different stoichiometric ratios and under different atmospheres, leads to the formation of new heterometallic Rh–Ge clusters, representing the first known examples of Rh carbonyl compounds containing interstitial germanium atoms. More specifically, under N2 the reaction progressively affords the new [Rh13Ge(CO)25]3− and [Rh14Ge2(CO)30]2− clusters in good yields, with the Ge atoms located in cubic and square-anti-prismatic cavities, respectively. However, under a CO atmosphere, the [Rh13Ge(CO)25]3− derivative undergoes a significant structural and chemical rearrangement giving the new compound, [Rh12Ge(CO)27]4−, where Ge is hosted in an icosahedral metal cage. All species have been characterized by IR spectroscopy and ESI mass spectrometry, and their structures have been elucidated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Additionally, preliminary biological tests on the [Rh13Ge(CO)25]3− and [Rh14Ge2(CO)30]2− clusters show that they are cytotoxic to various cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this microreview, the authors summarize the reactions of [Pt3n(CO)6n]2– (n = 1–10) Chini clusters aimed at their functionalization, modification and transformation. The results are organized on the basis of the fact that the final products do or do not retain the structure of the parent Chini clusters. The first category comprises the redox reactions of homoleptic Chini clusters, CO/phosphine substitution affording heteroleptic Chini‐type clusters and the formation of Lewis acid‐base adducts by capping the external Pt3‐triangular faces with Lewis acids. The second category consists of globular molecular platinum nanoclusters (platinum browns) obtained by thermal decomposition of Chini clusters, as well as surface decorated platinum carbonyl clusters, composed of a low valent Pt‐CO core decorated by cationic metal fragments. The relevance of such species to molecular cluster chemistry and metal nanoclusters is outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reactions of [Pt3n(CO)6n]2− (n = 2–5) homoleptic Chini-type clusters with increasing amounts of 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA) result in the stepwise substitution of one terminal CO ligand per Pt3 triangular unit up to the formation of [Pt3n(CO)5n(PTA)n]2− (n = 2–5). Competition between the nonredox substitution with retention of the nuclearity and the redox fragmentation to afford lower nuclearity heteroleptic Chini-type clusters is observed as a function of the amount of PTA and the nuclearity of the starting cluster. Because of this, [Pt12(CO)20(PTA)4]2− and [Pt15(CO)25(PTA)5]2− are more conveniently obtained via the oxidation of [Pt9(CO)15(PTA)3]2−. All the new species were spectroscopically characterized, and the structures of [Pt12(CO)20(PTA)4]2− and [Pt15(CO)25(PTA)5]2− were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. These clusters may be viewed as heteroleptic Chini-type clusters composed of stacks of four and five Pt3(μ-CO)3(CO)2(PTA) units, respectively. The solubility in water of [Pt12(CO)20(PTA)4]2− and [Pt15(CO)25(PTA)5]2− has been determined and their cytotoxicity towards human ovarian (A2780) cancer cells and their cisplatin-resistant strain (A2780cisR) has been evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals and Brominated diphenyl ether flame-retardants (BDEs) often coexist in the environment and are capable of inducing injury, cytotoxicity or genotoxicity in human epithelial cells of the lung. We studied the effects of single Cadmium chloride (CdCl2) or CdCl2/BDE (47 or 209) mixtures in airway epithelial cells, using A549 cell line cultured at submerged conditions and air–liquid interface (ALI) (an in vitro model described as physiologically relevant in vivo-like). We evaluated cell viability, oxidative stress, apoptosis, DNA damage/repair (Comet assay, γH2AX phosphorylation ser139), mitochondrial redox balance (NOX-4, Nrf2 and TFAM) and cell barrier integrity (TEER, ZO-1, Claudin-1, E-cadherin-1) in A549 cells exposed to CdCl2 (1 nM to 10 µM), or to CdCl2 (100 nM)/BDEs (47 or 209) (100 nM). CdCl2 (10 μM) reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis. CdCl2 (100 nM) significantly affected DNA-damage/repair (Olive Tail length production), γH2AX phosphorylation and oxidative stress (ROS/JC-1 production) in submerged cell cultures. CdCl2 (100 nM) decreased viability, TEER, ZO-1, Claudin-1 and E-cadherin-1 mRNA expression, and Nrf2 and TFAM while increased NOX-4, in ALI culture of cells. In both cell culture approaches, the cells stimulated with Cadmium/BDEs mixtures did not show a significant increase in the effects observed in the cells treated with CdCl2 alone. CdCl2 inhalation might exert cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, playing a pivotal role in the uncontrolled oxidative stress, damaging DNA and gene expression in airway epithelial cells. No additional or synergistic adverse effects of CdCl2/BDEs mixture were observed in comparison to CdCl2 alone in lung epithelium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to outdoor air pollution has been shown to increase asthma symptoms. We assessed the potential role of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm (PM2.5) on respiratory condition in schoolchildren in the south Mediterranean area. A total of 2400 children aged 11–14 years were recruited, and data on their symptoms were collected through an ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood)-based questionnaire. Outdoor PM2.5 was collected for 48 consecutive hours in the schoolyards of their schools and selected residential outdoor areas. The levels of PM2.5 were measured, along with its elemental composition. The prevalence of an acute respiratory illness within the first 2 years of life was higher amongst Sicilian children when compared to Maltese children (29.7% vs. 13.5% respectively, p < 0.0001). Malta had a significantly higher prevalence of doctor-diagnosed asthma, when compared to Sicily (18.0% Malta vs. 7.5% Sicily, p < 0.0001). Similarly, current asthma (7.8% vs. 2.9%, p < 0.0001) and use of asthma medication in the last 12 months (12.1% vs. 4.9%, p < 0.0001) were more frequent amongst Maltese children. Total median PM2.5 was 12.9 μg/m3 in Sicily and 17.9 μg/m3 in Malta. PM2.5 levels were highest in the Maltese urban town of Hamrun (23.6 μg/m3), while lowest in the rural Sicilian town of Niscemi (10.9 μg/m3, p < 0.0001). Hamrun also exhibited the highest levels of nickel, vanadium, lead, zinc, antimony, and manganese, whilst the Sicilian city of Gela had the highest levels of cadmium, and the highest level of PM2.5 when compared to rural Sicily. Elevated levels of PM2.5 were positively associated with the prevalence of doctor diagnosed asthma (odds ratio (OR) 1.05), current asthma (OR 1.06), and use of asthma medication (OR 1.06). All elements in PM2.5 showed increased OR for doctor diagnosed asthma, while higher concentrations of Cd and Mn were associated with higher prevalence of rhinitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]