Search

The evaluation and the subsequent monitoring of the conservation status of habitats is one of the key steps in nature protection. While some European countries have tested suitable methodologies, others, including Italy, lack procedures tested at the national level. The aim of this work is to propose a method to assess the conservation status of habitat 92A0 (Salix alba and Populus alba galleries) in central Italy, and to test the method using data from the Molise region. We selected parameters that highlight the conservation status of the flora and vegetation in order to assess habitat structures and functions at the site level. After selecting the parameters, we tested them on a training dataset of 22 unpublished phytosociological relevés taken from the whole dataset, which consists of 119 relevés (49 unpublished relevés for the study area, and 70 published relevés for central Italy). We detected the most serious conservation problems in the middle and lower course of the Biferno river: the past use of river terraces for agriculture and continual human interventions on the river water flow have drastically reduced the riparian forests of Molise. Our results show that in areas in which forest structure and floristic composition have been substantially modified, certain alien plant species, particularly Robinia pseudoacacia, Amorpha fruticosa and Erigeron canadensis, have spread extensively along rivers. In the management of riparian forests, actions aimed at maintaining the stratification of the forest, its uneven-agedness and tree species richness may help to ensure the conservation status, as well as favour the restoration, of habitat 92A0.

Given the recognized carcinogenicity of cadmium, several regulatory interventions have been carried out over the years to protect exposed workers. The aim of the study is to investigate the prevalence and extent of exposure to cadmium among Italian workers. Data was collected from a nation-wide occupational exposure registry (SIREP, 1996-2022). Gender-specific statistical analysis was carried out for some exposure-related variables (cadmium compound, activity sector, occupational group, firm size). Potentially exposed workers were estimated for some industrial sectors. Concurrent exposures were investigated using cluster analysis. Overall 4,264 measurements were analyzed. Four industrial sectors were found to be most involved by cadmium exposure: base metal manufacturing, fabricated metal products, machinery and equipment, and other transport equipment (55% of measurements). Jewellery/precious-metal workers, and glass/ceramic plant operators were found to be most at exposure risk. A total of 26,470 workers potentially exposed was estimated (69% men). Concurrent exposures to other occupational carcinogens were detected quite frequently (52% of workers). Several situations of exposure and co-exposure to cadmium deserve attention and awareness in order to minimize the risks associated with workers' health. Recognition of potentially hazardous exposure conditions is an important step in prevention strategies to better protect workers against cancer-causing agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The study describes the 466 cases of malignant mesotheliomas (MM) collected by the National Mesothelioma Register (ReNaM) in Italy from 1993-2018 relating to subjects with exclusive asbestos exposure in merchant or military navy. Methods: The cases among maritime workers represent 1.8% of the total patients with defined exposure registered in the ReNaM, of which (45.4%) were among merchant maritime workers and 254 cases (54.5%) among the navy. The distribution by site of mesothelioma showed 453 (97.2%) MM cases of the pleura, 11 (2.3%) of the peritoneum, and 2 (0.4%) of the tunica vaginalis of the testis. With regard to occupational exposure, it was classified as certain in 318 (68.2%) cases, probable in 69 (14.8%) cases, and possible in 79 (16.9%) cases. Results: Among the 23 classified jobs, the highest percentages of certain exposures are among naval engineers, motor mechanics, machine captains, and sailors. Machine crew accounted for 49.3% of the cases, and deck crew for 27.6%. All cases began exposure on board between 1926 and 1988. Seamen were exposed to asbestos while at sea by living onboard ships and from the continual release of asbestos fibers due to the motion of a vessel. Conclusions: Epidemiological surveillance through the ReNaM has allowed us to verify among cases in the maritime, navy, and merchant marine sectors that, in the past, subjects were exposed regardless of the ship’s department where they have provided service; therefore, all these cases must be considered occupational diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives. A relatively small number of studies have investigated the characteristics, comorbidities and laboratory measures associated with prognosis in patients with COVID-19, admitted to Internal Medicine Units (IMU) in Italy. Therefore, we performed a retrospective multicentre study to identify baseline features, predisposing to severe disease and poor outcomes, in adult individuals with SARS-CoV2 infection, hospitalized in 5 IMUs in the Emilia-Romagna region (Italy). Materials and Methods. We included 129 consecutive patients (male 75, median age 68 years) from 1st March 2020 to 31st October 2021. Patients’ baseline characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory measures, and outcomes were collected. Results. At admission, the factors significantly associated with a higher risk of in-hospital mortality included: age (median 68 vs. 83 years in survived vs. dead patients, P=0.000), diabetes [Odds Ratio (OR) 4.00, P=0.016], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 4.60, P=0.022), cancer (OR 5.81, P=0.021), acute- (OR 9.88, P=0.000) and chronicrenal failure (OR 6.76, P=0.004). During the study period, 16 individuals died (12.4%), all over 70 years old. In deceased vs. non-deceased patients were detected: i) more elevated white blood cells and neutrophils-counts and lower lymphocytes count; ii) higher levels of total/direct bilirubin, creatinine, C-reactive-protein, lactate-dehydrogenase, ferritin, but only a slight Interleukin-6 increase; iii) a trend of lower vitamin D values. Conclusions. We proposed a new I index, a modified form of the Age-Adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index, by considering pO2/FiO2 ratio, to better characterize the severity of COVID-19. Furthermore, we critically discuss our results with the current assumption which considers COVID-19 as a pathological condition associated with cytokine storm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An increased risk of mesothelioma has been reported in various countries for construction workers. The Italian National Mesothelioma Registry, from 1993 to 2018, reported exposure exclusively in the construction sector in 2310 cases. We describe the characteristics of these cases according to the job title. Methods: We converted into 18 groups the original jobs (N=338) as reported by ISTAT codes ('ATECO 91'). The exposure level was attributed to certain, probable, and possible in accordance with the qualitative classification of exposure as reported in the Registry guidelines. Descriptive analysis by jobs highlights the total number of subjects for every single job and certain exposure, in descending order, insulator, plumbing, carpenter, mechanic, bricklayer, electrician, machine operator, plasterer, building contractor, painter, and laborer. Results: The cases grow for plumbing in 1993-2018, while, as expected, it decreased for the insulator. Within each period considered, the most numerous cases are always among bricklayers and laborers; these data confirm the prevalence of non-specialized "interchangeable" jobs in the Italian construction sector in the past. Conclusions: Despite the 1992 ban, the construction sector still presents an occupational health prevention challenge, and circumstances of asbestos exposure may still occur due to incomplete compliance with prevention and protection measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed for the first time the concentration of potentially toxic trace elements Hg, As, Pb, Cr and Se and POPs (PCBs and OCPs) in tissues of 41 grey seal pups (Halichoerus grypus) stranded on the shores of the Gulf of Riga. Lanugo was the sample with the highest concentrations of all trace elements except Hg. The concentrations found in this biological matrix appeared as follows: Hg (2.50 ± 1.43 μg/g); Se (1.22 ± 0.82 μg/g); Cr (0.96 ± 1.51 μg/g); As (0.95 ± 1.03 μg/g); Pb (0.50 ± 0.60 μg/g). POPs were∑PCB (0.566 ± 0.520 μg/g), ∑DDT (0.522 ± 0.454 μg/g), ∑HCH (0.043 ± 0.045 μg/g) and Chlordane (0.041 μg/g). We detected brain Hg levels above the threshold described for neurobehavioural changes and some individuals also exceeded the toxic threshold described for PCBs. Thus, the health of grey seal pups could be affected by both groups of pollutants. [Display omitted] • Metals and POPs were measured in tissues of grey seals from Gulf of Riga. • Lanugo of grey seal pups was in general the matrix with the highest levels for all trace elements and Hg the metal with the highest levels. • POPs levels in the following order ∑PCB > ∑DDT > ∑HCH > Chlordane • The Se:Hg molar ratio was <1 in brain and muscle, with brain Hg concentrations above the threshold described for neurobehavioural changes. • Some individuals exceeded the toxic threshold described for PCBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]