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The concentrations of chemicals in the groundwater chemical values in the Piedmont Po Plain (NW Italy) show significant temporal variability and need to be characterised due to the lack of regional-scale assessments. The aim of this study was to analyse the trends (period 2000–2020) in the main physicochemical parameters and main ions in 227 wells in the shallow aquifer and to identify the potential causes. The identification of change points (points of sudden change) and comparisons with groundwater level variations were also performed. Results highlight general increasing trends for Na, Cl and HCO3, decreasing trends for SO4 and NO3, stationary conditions for pH and heterogeneous behaviours for electrolytic conductivity, Ca and Mg. Change points occurred in at least 50% of the monitoring wells, mainly during the 2008–2011 period. The comparison between groundwater levels and chemistry highlights a direct proportionality. Superimposed processes that induce an absence of proportionality are shown. The comparison of results with those of previous studies conducted under similar conditions revealed similar variations.. In conclusion, the potential responsible factors (e.g., road-salt dissolution and agricultural practices) and the relevant role of groundwater level variation were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Geckos of clade III of the Tarentola mauritanica species complex are widespread throughout southern Europe and northern Africa. We investigated the genetic variability of the Italian populations by performing a widespread sampling throughout the mainland and the two main islands of Sicily and Sardinia. We analysed 199 newly generated sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene and 269 nuclear genotypes inferred from nine microsatellite loci from 307 individuals. We found 13 new mitochondrial haplotypes in Italy, whereas previous findings reported a single haplotype widespread throughout the country and in the rest of Europe, which currently make Italy the centre of genetic diversity of this taxon. There was no evidence of mitochondrial DNA structuring with geographic correlation. At the population genetic level, our multilocus approach based on nuclear markers returned a shallow genetic structure. Nonetheless, we disclosed the presence of at least four distinct genetic clusters (namely the Adriatic, two Tyrrhenian and the Calabrian clusters). Our findings do not support the two hypotheses proposed to explain the low level of mitochondrial polymorphism in this taxon, namely the genetic hitch‐hiking due to selective sweep and the historical human‐mediated colonization hypotheses. Based on the fossil record, the presence in Italy of this taxon since the Pleistocene Epoch is plausible. Given the discordance in genetic structure between mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, the exact role of the Italian Peninsula in shaping the observed patterns of genetic diversity during the Pleistocenic climatic oscillations needs further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Population isolates represent a focus of interest because of their particular genetic history and the possibility of mapping peculiar deleterious variants. Here we investigated the pattern of genetic variation in two North Italian villages: Rotzo (RTZ) and Stoccareddo (STC), in the Asiago plateau. Materials and methods: We genotyped over 800 individuals for more than 600.000 markers. We investigated the isolation level by analyzing runs of homozygosity (ROH) and the level of population structure. Then we estimated the time of admixture and the relationship between ancient genomes and these two villages. Finally, we looked at the effect of genetic drift on deleterious variants. Results: We highlighted a different isolation level between RTZ and STC; despite the average number of ROH being similar between the two villages, RTZ shows a higher level of total homozygosity. We estimated, from different sources, that the time of admixture for the ancestors of these two populations was between 113 and 88 generations ago. We discovered that a deleterious variant in MCUB gene (rs78025076), which is linked to several lipid traits, is entirely absent in RTZ and at 1%frequency in STC. In contrast, the risk allele frequency is 2% in Europe and 2.4% in North‐East Italy. Discussion: These results show the importance of a genetic characterization of geographically isolated populations. Their vast array of past history could highlight specific events in the past and help describe deleterious variants and traits distribution in different regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the work is to describe the protocol adopted by the Home Care Service in pediatric onco-hematological patients of a large cancer institute in Italy during COVID-19 pandemic and to present preliminary data. Based on our experience, we have developed strategies to ensure continuity of care, non-abandonment, and protection of patients and operators in a period of emergency like this. In this context, the "COVID at home" protocol plays a central role. It aims to be able to safely manage COVID-19 positive onco-hematological patients, allowing nursing and medical care in the home setting, identifying patients at risk for COVID-19 infection, and rationalizing improper accesses to the hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Early on in the COVID-19 pandemic, the scientific community highlighted a potential risk of epidemics occurring inside prisons. Consequently, specific operational guidelines were promptly released, and containment measures were quickly implemented in prisons. This paper aims to describe the spread of COVID-19 in detention facilities within the Lombardy region of Italy during March to July 2020, and the impact of the prevention and control measures implemented.Design/methodology/approach: A descriptive retrospective analysis of case distribution was performed for all COVID-19 cases identified among people in detention (PiD) and prison officers (POs). A comparison of the epidemic burden affecting different populations and a correlation analysis between the number of cases that occurred and prevention measures implemented were also carried out.Findings: From this study, it emerged that POs were at a high risk of contracting COVID-19. This study observed a delay in the occurrence of cases among PiD and substantial heterogeneity in the size of outbreaks across different prisons. Correlation between reported cases among PiD and registered sick leave taken by POs suggested the latter contributed to introducing the infection into prison settings. Finally, number of cases among PiD inversely correlated with the capacity of each prison to identify and set up dedicated areas for medical isolation.Originality/value: Prevention and control measures when adopted in a timely manner were effective in protecting PiD. According to the findings, POs are a population at high risk for acquiring and transmitting COVID-19 and should be prioritized for testing, active case finding and vaccination. This study highlights the critical importance of including prison settings within emergency preparedness plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater or surface water flow into natural rock formations containing asbestos (NOA), e.g. serpentinites and metabasites, may result in water asbestos pollution. In fact, asbestos-bearing rocks weathering is the principal natural cause of fibres water-dispersion. As asbestos constitute a risk to human health, it is crucial, into NOA contexts, to verify the occurrence of mineral fibres in water resources, given their importance for agricultural and industrial activities and as a primary source for drinking water. For this purpose, the Lanzo Valleys and Balangero Plain (NW Italy) were selected as study area where to evaluate the possible occurrence of asbestos in groundwater, to correlate it to the geolithological and hydrogeological characteristics of the context and therefore to evaluate the possible mobility of asbestos in aquifers. The results of this preliminary study show the presence of asbestos in groundwater, generally occurring in very thin fibres which require TEM-EDS analysis. Water chemical characters, particularly dissolved cations, reflect the lithologies which occur in the area; concerning trace metals, only Ni shows a relation with NOA occurrence. In addition, several problems on sampling and analysis procedures are highlighted and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Rett syndrome (RS) is a severe neurological developmental disorder characterised by stereotypical hand movements, epileptic seizures, craniofacial dysmorphism and digestive dysfunction. This study aimed to examine the correlation between the severity of malocclusion and dysphagia in patients with RS. Methods: This preliminary study was conducted at the Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic of the University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy, from January 2014 to December 2017. A total of 56 patients with RS were examined and grouped according to the severity of dysphagia (absent, mild, moderate or severe) and malocclusion (<2 mm, 2–3 mm, 3–4 mm or >4 mm). Results: All of the patients were female and the mean age was 11.3 years. Eight (14.3%) patients had mild, 18 (32.1%) had moderate and 30 (53.6%) had severe dysphagia. Four (7.1%) patients had <2 mm occlusion, 10 (17.9%) had 2–3 mm occlusion, 26 (46.4%) had 3–4 mm occlusion and 16 (28.6%) had >4 mm occlusion. Mild dysphagia was observed in 100% and 40% of patients with <2 and 2–3 mm malocclusion, respectively, while moderate dysphagia was present in 60% and 38.5% of patients with 2–3 and 3–4 mm malocclusion, respectively. Severe dysphagia was observed in 28.6% and 87.5% of patients with 3–4 and >4 mm malocclusion, respectively. There was a significant correlation between dysphagia and malocclusion severity (P <0.001). Conclusion: A higher degree of malocclusion was associated with more severe dysphagia among a cohort of patients with RS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The beneficial effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) mixture ( cis9, trans11, c9; trans10, cis12, t10) against gliadin-induced toxicity in HLA-DQ8-transgenic mice (DQ8) have been associated with improved duodenal cytoprotective mechanisms [nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2, Nrf2; acylpeptide hydrolase (APEH)/proteasome]. The present study was aimed at investigating the ability of individual CLA isomers to improve the efficacy of these defensive mechanisms and to protect against duodenal injury caused by the combined administration of gliadin and indomethacin (GI). Methods: Gluten-mediated enteropathy was induced in DQ8 mice by three intra-gastric administration of gliadin (20 mg kg/bw) and indomethacin (15 mg L) in drinking water for 10 days (GI). C9 or t10 CLA (520 mg kg/bw/day) were orally administered for 2 weeks. Pro-oxidant and toxic effects associated with GI treatment, anti-oxidant/detoxifying ability of c9 or t10-CLA and the protective effect induced by c9 pre-treatment (c9 + GI) were evaluated in DQ8 mice duodenum by combining enzymatic, immunoblotting, histological evaluation and quantitative real-time PCR assays. Results: GI treatment produces the time-dependent decline of the considered detoxifying mechanisms thus leading to pro-apoptotic and pro-oxidant effects. APEH/proteasome pathway was not markedly affected by individual CLA isomers, but duodenal redox status and activity/mRNA levels of Nrf2-activated enzymes were significantly improved by c9 administration. c9 pre-treatment protects against GI-mediated accumulation of oxidative stress markers, and histological examination reveals the increase of goblet cells number in mouse duodenum but induces only a partial recovery of APEH/proteasome activity. Conclusions: The activation of and adaptive response by low doses of c9 supplementation prevents distinct signs of gliadin-induced enteropathy in DQ8 mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women characterized by a high variable clinical outcome among individuals treated with equivalent regimens and novel targeted therapies. In this study, we performed a population based approach intersecting high-throughput genotype data from Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) isolated populations with publically available pharmacogenomics information to estimate the frequency of genotypes correlated with responsiveness to breast cancer treatment thus improving the clinical management of this disease in an efficient and cost effective way.Methods: A list of 80 variants reported to be related to the efficacy or toxicity of breast cancer drugs was obtained from PharmGKB database. Fourty-one were present in FVG, 1000G European (EUR) and ExAC (Non Finnish European) databases. Their frequency was extracted using PLINK software and the differences tested by Fisher's exact test.Results: Statistical analyses revealed that 13 out of the 41 (32 %) variants were significantly different in frequency in our sample as compared to the EUR/ExAC cohorts. For nine variants the available level of evidence (LOE) included polymorphisms related to cyclophosphamide, tamoxifen, doxorubicin, fluorpyrimidine and paclitaxel. In particular, for trastuzumab two variants were detected: (1) rs1801274-G within FCGR2A and associated with decreased efficacy (LOE 2B); (2) rs1136201-G located within ERBB2 and associated with increased toxicity (LOE 3). Both these two variants were underrepresented in the FVG population compared to EUR/ExAC population thus suggesting a high therapeutic index of this drug in our population. Moreover, as regards fluoropyrimidines, the frequency of two polymorphisms within the DPYD gene associated with drug toxicity (e.g., rs2297595-C allele and rs3918290-T allele, LOE 2A and 1, respectively) was extremely low in FVG population thus suggesting that a larger number of FVG patients could benefit from full dosage of fluoropyrimidine therapy.Conclusions: All these findings increase the overall knowledge on the prevalence of specific variants related with breast cancer treatment responsiveness in FVG population and highlight the importance of assessing gene polymorphisms related with cancer medications in isolated communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information about a research related to determination of the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) types among females in the Molise region in Italy. It mentions that cytologic screening of cervico-vaginal swab specimens was analyzed for HPV detection and typing. The results indicated that several HPV-types are involved in cervical lesions.

Abstract: Agricultural land abandonment and the consequent natural forest regrowth in areas once cultivated has significantly transformed Alpine ecosystems and landscapes. In this paper, we estimated the loss of agricultural areas due to reafforestation in the Belluno Province (Eastern Italian Alps) and integrated socioeconomic indicators with topographical features to evaluate the drivers of this change. Land use mapping, obtained from photo-interpretation of aerial photographs and technical maps, was used to quantify changes in forest and agricultural areas (crops, meadows and pastures) during the period of 1980–2000. On average, the forest surface expanded by 21%, while the agricultural areas decreased by 40%. This loss increased in areas with steeper slope, which confirms that the areas that would be first abandoned are those that are less productive and more difficult to manage. The reafforestation rate was particularly strong in the north of the province, where the livestock sector experienced a dramatic decline. In light of this situation and using multiple regression models with a large set of socioeconomic and agricultural indicators, we found that the loss of agricultural areas in 69 municipalities was primarily counterbalanced by the maintenance of livestock farming. The loss of steeper agricultural areas was counteracted by traditional extensive systems; however, it was not counteracted by modern intensive systems, which has important implications because steeper areas have higher landscape and biodiversity values. In addition, tourism development had a positive, although smaller, effect on the maintenance of agricultural areas, while industry development had a negative effect. The results of this study suggest that efforts are needed to maintain a territorial network of traditional extensive farms to avoid further landscape deterioration in Alpine areas. Likewise, certain choices toward the economic development of local communities might have an impact on land conservation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to assess the techno-economic viability of the use of fuel cell as an alternative technology for landfill gas energy recovery. The case of an Italian municipal solid waste landfill is analyzed. The landfill was opened in 1998 and in 2001 the energy recovery facility started operation. The current landfill gas conversion system is based on internal combustion engine technology. However, the drawbacks of internal combustion engine in terms of conversion efficiency and air emissions are widely acknowledged. Some authors have proposed molten carbonate fuel cell as one of the most interesting solution for landfill gas energy recovery for the near future. Fuel cells have proven capable of providing superior energy efficiency and environmental performance, but their widespread use is constrained by the capital cost required. Using actual data from the landfill, a comparison between the current energy recovery system and a hypothetical alternative solution based on molten carbonate fuel cell is performed. The analysis assesses the cost-effectiveness of the two solutions, considering also some environmental externalities usually not included in traditional economic assessment. The main strengths and weaknesses of the two landfill gas energy recovery systems are highlighted and some new insights into molten carbonate fuel cell overall sustainability are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Host genomic information, specifically genomic variations, may characterize susceptibility to disease and identify people with a higher risk of harm, leading to better targeting of care and vaccination. Italy was the epicentre for the spread of COVID-19 in Europe, the first country to go into a national lockdown and has one of the highest COVID-19 associated mortality rates. Qatar, on the other hand has a very low mortality rate. In this study, we compared whole-genome sequencing data of 14398 adults and Qatari-national to 925 Italian individuals. We also included in the comparison whole-exome sequence data from 189 Italian laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases. We focused our study on a curated list of 3619 candidate genes involved in innate immunity and host-pathogen interaction. Two population-gene metric scores, the Delta Singleton-Cohort variant score (DSC) and Sum Singleton-Cohort variant score (SSC), were applied to estimate the presence of selective constraints in the Qatari population and in the Italian cohorts. Results based on DSC and SSC metrics demonstrated a different selective pressure on three genes (MUC5AC, ABCA7, FLNA) between Qatari and Italian populations. This study highlighted the genetic differences between Qatari and Italian populations and identified a subset of genes involved in innate immunity and host-pathogen interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early on in the COVID-19 pandemic, scientific community highlighted the potential risk of epidemics occurring inside prisons. Consequently, specific operational guidelines were promptly released and stringent containment measures quickly implemented, including access restriction to essential staff only. During the 2nd epidemic wave prevention strategies were gradually relaxed, visitors were readmitted and people in prison (PiP) activities were repristinated. Here, we describe the spread of COVID-19 in 18 detention facilities in Lombardy region, Italy, during the 1st(Mar-Jul 2020) and 2nd(Oct 2020- Feb 2021) waves and the impact of prevention and control measures implemented in prison. Methods: We conducted a descriptive retrospective analysis of cases’ distribution. Moreover, a comparison among the epidemic burden affecting POs and PiP and a correlation analysis between the number of cases occurred and prevention measures implemented were carried out. Results: Our population consists of a monthly average of 2269 prison officers (POs) and 7604 PiP. POs were at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 during both waves. Occurrence of cases among PiP was temporally associated with cases among POs. There was heterogeneity in the size of outbreaks across different prison facilities. During the second wave, COVID19 spread more widely in prison both among POs (2ndwave attack rate (AR) per 1000 individuals: 27.2; monthly range (MR): 0.9-64.5 vs 1stwave AR 2.4; MR: 0.0-12.1) and PiP (2ndwave AR: 23.5; MR: 11.6-50.8 vs 1stwave AR 1.6; MR: 0- 5.2). Conclusions: Prevention and control measures adopted timely during the first wave were effective to limit Sars-CoV-2 spread within prison facilities. According to our findings, POs and PiP are population groups at high risk for acquiring and transmitting COVID-19 and should be prioritized for testing, active case finding and vaccination. This study highlights the importance of including prison settings within emergency preparedness plans. Key messages: Stringent prevention and control measures when adopted timely were effective to protect detention facilities from Sars-CoV-2 spread. Our study, reporting the burden of COVID-19 epidemic experienced by prison of Lombardy, Italy, highlights the importance of including prison settings within emergency preparedness plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hepcidin, a 25 amino-acid liver hormone, has recently emerged as the key regulator of iron homeostasis. Proteomic studies in limited number of subjects have shown that biological fluids can also contain truncated isoforms, whose role remains to be elucidated. We report, for the first time, data about serum levels of the hepcidin-20 isoform (hep-20) in a general population, taking advantage of the Val Borbera (VB) study where hepcidin-25 (hep-25) was measured by SELDI-TOF-MS. Detectable amount of hep-20 were found in sera from 854 out of 1577 subjects (54.2%), and its levels were about 14% of hep-25 levels. A small fraction of subjects (n=30, 1.9%) had detectable hep-20 but undetectable hep-25. In multivariate regression models, significant predictors of hep-20 were hep-25 and age in males, and hep-25, age, serum ferritin and body mass index in females. Of note, the hep-25:hep-20 ratio was not constant in the VB population, but increased progressively with increasing ferritin levels. This is not consistent with the simplistic view of hep-20 as a mere catabolic byproduct of hep-25. Although a possible active regulation of hep-20 production needs further confirmation, our results may also have implications for immunoassays for serum hepcidin based on antibodies lacking specificity for hep-25. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Integrated omics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]