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Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is responsible for acute hepatitis in humans, through foodborne, zoonotic, and waterborne transmission routes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of HEV in water matrices. Six categories were defined: untreated and treated wastewater, surface water (river, lake, and seawater), drinking water, groundwater, and other water environments (irrigation water, grey water, reservoir water, flood water, and effluent of pig slaughterhouse). We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Global Index Medicus, and Excerpta Medica Database. Study selection and data extraction were performed by at least two independent investigators. Heterogeneity (I2) was assessed using the χ2 test on the Cochran Q statistic and H parameter. Sources of heterogeneity were explored by subgroup analysis. This study is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42021289116. We included 87 prevalence studies from 58 papers, 66.4% of which performed in Europe. The overall prevalence of HEV in water was 9.8% (95% CI 6.4–13.7). The prevalence was higher in untreated wastewater (15.1%) and lower in treated wastewater (3.8%) and in drinking water (4.7%). In surface water, prevalence was 7.4%, and in groundwater, the percentage of positive samples, from only one study available, was 8.3%. Overall, only 36.8% of the studies reported the genotype of HEV, with genotype 3 (HEV-3) prevalent (168 samples), followed by HEV-1 (148 sample), and HEV-4 (2 samples). High-income countries were the most represented with 59/87 studies (67.8%), while only 3/87 (3.5%) of the studies were performed in low-income countries. The overall prevalence obtained of this study was generally higher in industrialized countries. Risk of bias was low in 14.9% of the studies and moderate in 85.1%. The results of this review showed the occurrence of HEV in different waters environments also in industrialized countries with sanitation and safe water supplies. While HEV transmission to humans through water has been widely demonstrated in developing countries, it is an issue still pending in industrialized countries. Better knowledge on the source of pollution, occurrence, survival in water, and removal by water treatment is needed to unravel this transmission path. Graphical Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction From the beginning, the use of X-ray (XR) has been a critical component in both the guidance and development of arrhythmia ablation procedures. Despite the development of non-fluoroscopic navigators, the single-shot techniques for atrial fibrillation ablation procedures still rely almost exclusively on the use of XR. Recently, the Heliostar® irrigated radiofrequency balloon has been developed, which can be completely visualized on the Carto 3® navigation system. This special feature makes it possible to minimise the use of XR in this type of procedure or even suppress it. We present our first experience after the implementation of a "zero-XR" protocol for this procedure. Objectives The aim of this study was to demonstrate that "zero-XR" ablation of atrial fibrillation with Heliostar® radiofrequency balloon is possible and safe. Methods This is a single-centre study. Consecutively 22 patients with paroxysmal (63.6%) or persistent (36.4%) atrial fibrillation underwent pulmonary vein isolation by irrigated radiofrequency balloon (Heliostar®). Eight of the cases were performed without fluoroscopy, supported by the navigation system and intracardiac ultrasound, and the remaining 14 were performed without limitation of the use of XR. Clinical, echocardiographic and technical data were collected from all 22 patients. All cases were performed under general anaesthesia, with the Carto 3® navigation system. Mapping was performed in sinus rhythm whenever possible. Results 100% isolation of the veins was achieved, with 62.1% first pass isolation in the non-XR group versus 56.4% in the XR group (non-significant difference). The vein with the highest percentage of first pass isolations was the left inferior vein in both groups. There were no complications in either group. Procedure times were similar (left atrial dwell time of 32 minutes in the non-XR group and 40 minutes in the XR group, non-significant difference), although the mapping time was slightly shorter in the non-XR group (9,9±5 non-XR vs 16±6.9, p=0.04). There was also no difference in the mean time to isolation from the start of radiofrequency application in each vein (10.6 seconds in the non-XR group and 11 seconds in the XR group, p=0.75). The non-XR group had a higher number of patients with left main trunk, but the XR group had a higher percentage of patients with persistent forms of atrial fibrillation. Left atrial size was normal in most patients, and ventricular function was preserved, with no differences between the two groups. Conclusion Pulmonary vein isolation with the Heliostar® radiofrequency balloon without XR is possible and safe, with similar efficacy and first pass isolation rate, similar procedure time and no relevant complications in our series.

Perspective from Pathologic Characteristics of Cancers Detected in the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial: Implications for Prostate Cancer Detection and Chemoprevention

Finasteride and Prostate Cancer: New York Times Article from Pathologic Characteristics of Cancers Detected in the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial: Implications for Prostate Cancer Detection and Chemoprevention

This study adds insight regarding the occurrence and spread of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern (VOCs) and Var-iants of Interest (VOIs) in Italy in October and November 2022, by testing urban wastewater collected through-out the country. A total of 332 wastewater samples were collected from 20 Italian Regions/Autonomous Provinces (APs) within the framework of national SARS-CoV-2 environmental surveillance. Of these, 164 were collected in the first week of October and 168 in the first week of November. A similar to 1600 bp fragment of the spike protein was sequenced by Sanger (for individual samples) and long-read nanopore sequencing (for pooled Region/AP samples).In October, mutations characteristic of Omicron BA.4/BA.5 were detected in the vast majority (91 %) of the samples amplified by Sanger sequencing. A fraction of these sequences (9 %) also displayed the R346T mutation. Despite the low prevalence documented in clinical cases at the time of sampling, amino acid substitutions characteristic of sublineages BQ.1 or BQ.1.1 were detected in 5 % of sequenced samples from four Regions/APs. A significantly higher variability of sequences and variants was documented in November 2022, when the rate of se-quences harbouring mutations of lineages BQ.1 and BQ1.1 increased to 43 %, and the number of Regions/APs positive for the new Omicron subvariant more than tripled (n = 13) compared to October. Moreover, an increase in the number of sequences with the mutation package BA.4/BA.5 + R346T (18 %), as well as the detection of variants never observed before in wastewater in Italy, such as BA.2.75 and XBB.1 (the latter in a Region where no clinical cases asso-ciated with this variant had ever been documented) was recorded.The results suggest that, as predicted by the ECDC, BQ.1/BQ.1.1 is rapidly becoming dominant in late 2022. Environ-mental surveillance proves to be a powerful tool for tracking the spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants/subvariants in the population.

The outbreak of coronavirus infectious disease-2019 (COVID-19), caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has rapidly spread throughout the world. Several studies have shown that detecting SARS-CoV-2 in untreated wastewater can be a useful tool to identify new outbreaks, establish outbreak trends, and assess the prevalence of infections. On 06 May 2021, over a year into the pandemic, we conducted a scoping review aiming to summarize research data on SARS-CoV-2 in sewage. Papers dealing with raw sewage collected at wastewater treatment plants, sewer networks, septic tanks, and sludge treatment facilities were included in this review. We also reviewed studies on sewage collected in community settings such as private or municipal hospitals, healthcare facilities, nursing homes, dormitories, campuses, airports, aircraft, and cruise ships. The literature search was conducted using the electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, and Web Science Core Collection. This comprehensive research yielded 1090 results, 66 of which met the inclusion criteria and are discussed in this review. Studies from 26 countries worldwide have investigated the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 in sewage of different origin. The percentage of positive samples in sewage ranged from 11.6 to 100%, with viral concentrations ranging from ˂LOD to 4.6 × 108 genome copies/L. This review outlines the evidence currently available on wastewater surveillance: (i) as an early warning system capable of predicting COVID-19 outbreaks days or weeks before clinical cases; (ii) as a tool capable of establishing trends in current outbreaks; (iii) estimating the prevalence of infections; and (iv) studying SARS-CoV-2 genetic diversity. In conclusion, as a cost-effective, rapid, and reliable source of information on the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants in the population, wastewater surveillance can enhance genomic and epidemiological surveillance with independent and complementary data to inform public health decision-making during the ongoing pandemic. Graphic Abstract Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12560-021-09498-6.

Introduction From the outset, the use of Xray (XR) has been a critical component in both the guidance and development of arrhythmia ablation procedures. At present however, due to the complex nature of electrophysiology procedures, the use of XR in isolation is not sufficient to ensure procedural success. Subsequently, the use of non-fluoroscopic virtual mapping systems is essential. Currently, given the evolution of this technology and its essential nature for procedural guidance, it is worth asking whether the use of XR is indeed still necessary in the modern era. The objective of this study was to demonstrate that “zero-XR” ablation of complex arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation is both possible and safe. Methods Between 2020 and 2021, a total of 116 patients admitted for pulmonary vein ablation were included in the study. Amongst these, 41 patients were prospectively included at our centre, in a protocol for point-by-point ablation of pulmonary veins without fluoroscopy, “zero-XR”. In addition to the non-fluoroscopic mapping system, the transseptal puncture was monitored by intracardiac ultrasound in all cases. The objective of the ablation was the complete isolation of the pulmonary veins. In some patients, at the discretion of the operator, the ablation of other substrates was added. For the remaining 75 patients in the study, the ablation was performed using conventional techniques without the limitation of the use of XR. The mean follow up was 12 months. Results The baseline characteristics of the patients, as well as the description of the procedure, are shown in the Table. There were no differences in the acute success rate or procedure time between the two groups. There was only one complication related to the procedure in the non-XR group consisting of pericardial effusion without cardiac tamponade. Regarding the recurrence rate at 12 months, it was higher in the group with fluoroscopy, without reaching statistical significance [n=0 in the group without fluoroscopy, n=2 (2.7%) in the group with fluoroscopy, p=0.15]. Conclusion In our series, point-by-point ablation of atrial fibrillation without fluoroscopy proved to be a safe and feasible technique, with similar success rates when compared to conventional procedures using XR. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Since May 2022, monkeypox cases have been reported in non-endemic countries, and the disease was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Rapid identification of new cases is critical for outbreak control. Environmental surveillance can be used as a complementary tool for detecting pathogens circulating in communities. This study aimed to investigate whether Monkeypox DNA can be detected in wastewater from a transportation hub.Twenty samples were collected in Italy’s first airport in Rome and tested using published and modified real-time PCR assays targeting the G2R region (TFN gene), F3L, and N3R genes. Nested PCR assays were also used for confirmation by sequencing. Three samples tested positive by real-time PCR and/or by nested PCR, confirming the occurrence of the virus in the airport’s wastewater.Wastewater surveillance can be quickly adapted to investigate emerging threats and can be used to track the introduction and/or the diffusion of the Monkeypox virus in communities.

Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV), a plant pathogenic virus belonging to the family Virgoviridae, has been proposed as a potential viral indicator for human faecal pollution in aquatic environments. The present study investigated the occurrence, amount and diversity of PMMoV in water environments in Italy. A total of 254 water samples, collected between 2017 and 2019 from different types of water, were analysed. In detail, 92 raw sewage, 32 treated sewage, 16 river samples, 9 estuarine waters, 20 bathing waters, 67 groundwater samples and 18 drinking waters were tested. PMMoV was detected in 79% and 75% of untreated and treated sewage samples, respectively, 75% of river samples, 67% and 25% of estuarine and bathing waters and 13% of groundwater samples. No positive was detected in drinking water. The geometric mean of viral concentrations (genome copies/L) was ranked as follows: raw sewage (2.2 × 106) > treated sewage (2.9 × 105) > river waters (6.1 × 102) > estuarine waters (4.8 × 102) > bathing waters (8.5 × 101) > groundwater (5.9 × 101). A statistically significant variation of viral loads could be observed between raw and treated sewage and between these and all the other water matrices. PMMoV occurrence and viral loads did not display seasonal variation in raw sewage nor correlation with faecal indicator bacteria in marine waters and groundwater. This study represents the first report on the occurrence and quantification PMMoV in different water environments in Italy. Further studies are required to evaluate the suitability of PMMoV as a viral indicator for human faecal pollution and for viral pathogens in waters.

Very-high Energy (VHE) gamma-ray astroparticle physics is a relatively young field, and observations over the past decade have surprisingly revealed almost two hundred VHE emitters which appear to act as cosmic particle accelerators. These sources are an important component of the Universe, influencing the evolution of stars and galaxies. At the same time, they also act as a probe of physics in the most extreme environments known - such as in supernova explosions, and around or after the merging of black holes and neutron stars. However, the existing experiments have provided exciting glimpses, but often falling short of supplying the full answer. A deeper understanding of the TeV sky requires a significant improvement in sensitivity at TeV energies, a wider energy coverage from tens of GeV to hundreds of TeV and a much better angular and energy resolution with respect to the currently running facilities. The next generation gamma-ray observatory, the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO), is the answer to this need. In this talk I will present this upcoming observatory from its design to the construction, and its potential science exploitation. CTAO will allow the entire astronomical community to explore a new discovery space that will likely lead to paradigm-changing breakthroughs. In particular, CTA has an unprecedented sensitivity to short (sub-minute) timescale phenomena, placing it as a key instrument in the future of multi-messenger and multi-wavelength time domain astronomy. I will conclude the talk presenting the first scientific results obtained by the LST-1, the prototype of one CTAO telescope type - the Large-Sized Telescope, that is currently under commission., PoS: Proceedings of Science, 395, ISSN:1824-8039, Proceedings of 37th International Cosmic Ray Conference (ICRC2021)

The characteristics of superelasticity and shape-memory of the NiTi make endodontic rotary files suitably flexible and resistant while operating within curved canals. However, continuous rotation within accentuated curvatures causes stresses that can lead to intraoperative fracture by torsional shear or flexural cyclic fatigue. The aim of this paper is to design and build a rotary bending testing machine able to estimate reproducibly the fatigue life of endodontic instruments. The main innovation of this apparatus consists in ensuring that the file rotates freely, not being forced within a suitable shaped housing, and this provides both advantages of reducing the influence of the friction phenomena and maintaining unchanged geometric parameters. A further element of novelty is the real-time measurement of the bending force during the test up to the failure. Moreover, such a machine makes it possible to perform predictive thermographic tests of the file fatigue life and to monitor the energetic trend of the static and rotary bending while testing.

Saffold virus (SAFV) is an emerging human cardiovirus associated with respiratory and gastrointestinal infection, and, more recently, to symptoms related to the endocrine, cardiovascular, and neurological systems. Information about SAFV circulation in Italy is scarce. In order to provide insights into the epidemiology of SAFV in Italy, 141 raw sewage samples collected throughout Italy were tested using broad-range nested RT-PCR primers targeting the 5'-NC region. Seven samples (5·0%) were confirmed as SAFV in samples collected in North, Centre and Southern Italy. Typing was attempted through amplification of the VP1 coding region, using both published and newly designed primers, and one sample was characterized as SAFV-2. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Prevalence, genetic diversity and geographic distribution of SAFV in Italy is currently unknown. This study represents the first detection of SAFV in sewage samples in Italy, suggesting that it is circulating in the population despite lack of clinical reporting. Whether the virus is associated with asymptomatic cases or with undetected gastroenteritis or respiratory illness is unknown. Further studies are needed to investigate on the occurrence and persistence of SAFV in water environments and its waterborne transmission potential.

Background Genotype-phenotype correlations in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and, in particular, the effects of gene variants on clinical outcomes remain poorly understood. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic role of genetic variant carrier status in a large cohort of DCM patients. Methods A total of 487 DCM patients were analyzed by next-generation sequencing and categorized the disease genes into functional gene groups. The following composite outcome measures were assessed: 1) all-cause mortality; 2) heart failure–related death, heart transplantation, or destination left ventricular assist device implantation (DHF/HTx/VAD); and 3) sudden cardiac death/sustained ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (SCD/VT/VF). Results A total of 183 pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants were found in 178 patients (37%): 54 (11%) Titin; 19 (4%) Lamin A/C (LMNA); 24 (5%) structural cytoskeleton-Z disk genes; 16 (3.5%) desmosomal genes; 46 (9.5%) sarcomeric genes; 8 (1.6%) ion channel genes; and 11 (2.5%) other genes. All-cause mortality was no different between variant carriers and noncarriers (p = 0.99). A trend toward worse SCD/VT/VF (p = 0.062) and DHF/HTx/VAD (p = 0.061) was found in carriers. Carriers of desmosomal and LMNA variants experienced the highest rate of SCD/VT/VF, which was independent of the left ventricular ejection fraction. Conclusions Desmosomal and LMNA gene variants identify the subset of DCM patients who are at greatest risk for SCD and life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, regardless of the left ventricular ejection fraction.

Purpose:We sought to determine the minimum number of transperineal prostate mapping biopsies needed to optimize the prostate cancer detection rate.Materials and Methods:A total of 436 men underwent...

Aims The diversity and the geographical distribution of swine papillomaviruses (PVs) are virtually unknown. The occurrence and the diversity of swine PV were therefore investigated in pig slurry collected in Italy, to contribute towards filling this gap in knowledge. Methods and Results Twenty‐two slurry samples underwent analysis by nested PCR and DNA sequencing using published and newly designed specific primer pairs for Sus scrofa papillomavirus (SsPV) type 1 and 2 (SsPV1 and 2), along with degenerate PV‐specific primers targeting the major coat protein L1 and the helicase protein E1. Overall, three samples (13·6%) were positive for SsPV1 by specific primers, and nucleotide (nt) sequences showed 99–100% nt identity with SsPV1 variant a (EF395818), while SsPV2 was not found in any sample. Using generic primers, eight samples (36·4%) were tested positive for human papillomavirus (HPV), and were characterized as follows: β1‐HPV8, β1‐HPV14, β1‐HPV206, β2‐HPV113, β2‐HPV120 and γ1‐HPV173. Moreover, one unclassified γ‐type was detected. Conclusions Both swine and human PVs were detected in pig slurry in this study. The unexpected presence of HPV in pig waste could be explained as the result of an improper use of the sewage collection pits and/or with improper procedures of the operators. Significance and Impact of the Study This study reports the first detection of SsPV1 in Italy, along with the first detection of HPVs in pig slurry samples in Italy, and expands our knowledge about PV diversity and geographic distribution.

Key points Wild-type mice and mice with hepatocyte-specific or whole-body deletions of perilipin-2 (Plin2) were used to define hepatocyte and extra-hepatocyte effects of altered cellular lipid storage on obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathophysiology in a Western-diet (WD) model of these disorders. Extra-hepatocyte actions of Plin2 are responsible for obesity, adipose inflammation and glucose clearance abnormalities in WD-fed mice. Hepatocyte and extra-hepatic actions of Plin2 mediate fatty liver formation in WD-fed mice through distinct mechanisms. Hepatocyte-specific actions of Plin2 are primary mediators of immune cell infiltration and fibrotic injury in livers of obese mice. Abstract Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an obesity- and insulin resistance-related metabolic disorder with progressive pathology. Perilipin-2 (Plin2), a ubiquitously expressed cytoplasmic lipid droplet scaffolding protein, is hypothesized to contribute to NAFLD in humans and rodent models through effects on cellular lipid metabolism. In this study, we delineate hepatocyte-specific and extra-hepatocyte Plin2 mechanisms regulating the effects of obesity and insulin resistance on NAFLD pathophysiology in mice fed an obesogenic Western-style diet (WD). Total Plin2 deletion (Plin2-Null) fully protected WD-fed mice from obesity, insulin resistance, adipose inflammation, steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver fibrosis found in WT animals. Hepatocyte-specific Plin2 deletion (Plin2-HepKO) largely protected against NASH and fibrosis and partially protected against steatosis in WD-fed animals, but it did not protect against obesity, insulin resistance, or adipose inflammation. Significantly, total or hepatocyte-specific Plin2 deletion impaired WD-induced monocyte recruitment and pro-inflammatory macrophage polarization found in livers of WT mice. Analyses of the molecular and cellular processes mediating steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis identified differences in total and hepatocyte-specific actions of Plin2 on the mechanisms promoting NAFLD pathophysiology. Our results demonstrate that hepatocyte-specific actions of Plin2 are central to the initiation and pathological progression of NAFLD in obese and insulin-resistant mice through effects on immune cell recruitment and fibrogenesis. Conversely, extra-hepatocyte Plin2 actions promote NAFLD pathophysiology through effects on obesity, inflammation and insulin resistance. Our findings provide new insight into hepatocyte and extra-hepatocyte mechanisms underlying NAFLD development and progression.

In the degenerative disc disease, the traditional treatment consists in a removal of the intervertebral disc followed by the fusion of the two adjacent vertebral bodies (arthrodesis). An alternative treatment is the use of an artificial intervertebral disc. The advantage of an artificial intervertebral disc is that the mobility of the vertebral column will be restored. Aim of this paper consists in the definition of a prosthetic device for insertion in the intervertebral zone. Different types of artificial bone prostheses have been proposed, seldom based on similarity with physiological discs, then made with a central part (nucleus) consisting of hydrogel and an outer containment belt (annulus) consisting of a plastic material of greater stiffness. Upper and lower containment plates allow realizing a closed structure to be inserted in place of the original disc. Then, in our solution, the external parts (annulus and plates) were modeled by HDPE and the inner part (nucleus) by hydrogel. Both the materials are highly biocompatible. Both materials were modeled by the Ogden parameters related to elastomers. In fact, under the action of near-bending and twisting forces, the disc is subject to large deformations that the materials are able to withstand in elastic conditions. In order to assign the correct Ogden parameters to the materials, a procedure was used to fit the curves acquired by literature. The discs were subjected to compressive load as well as to forward and back bending (flexion and extension), lateral bending, torsion and combined loading.

Many solutions were adopted to substitute the intervertebral disc when it is damaged and has to be removed, in order to assure stability of the spine as well as some degree of freedom of the spine segment. The disc prostheses currently on the market, however, are frequently subject to failure due to wear and degeneration of the material or stress shielding. Aim of the present research is the design a new solution for the artificial intervertebral disc and to perform a numerical-experimental analysis on them. Starting from the tests performed on the hyperelastic materials considered to substitute the intervertebral disc, numerical models were carried out on the new devices. The paper prosecutes with the experimental analysis, under simple static compression tests. Finally, numerical and experimental comparison was made in order to evaluate the best prosthesis among the different adopted models.

Many mouse models of rheumatoid arthritis have been identified, but only a limited number are present for axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA). Collagen Ab-induced arthritis (CAIA) is one of the most widely used mouse models of arthritis, and it is complement-dependent. We found that mice developing CAIA also developed spinal lesions similar to those found in AxSpA. To induce CAIA, mice were injected intraperitoneally at day 0 with anti-collagen Abs, followed by LPS injection at day 3. CAIA mice demonstrated a significant kyphosis through the spine, as well as hypertrophic cartilage and osseous damage of the intravertebral joints. Immunohistochemical staining of the kyphotic area revealed increased complement C3 deposition and macrophage infiltration, with localization to the intravertebral joint margins. Near Infrared (NIR) in vivo imaging showed that anti-collagen Abs conjugated with IRDye® 800CW not only localized to cartilage surface in the joints but also to the spine in arthritic mice. We report here a novel preclinical mouse model in which, associated with the induction of CAIA, mice also exhibited salient features of AxSpA; this new experimental model of AxSpA may allow investigators to shed light on the local causal mechanisms of AxSpA bone and soft tissue changes as well as treatment.

The diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection requires the detection of viral RNA by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) performed mainly using nasopharyngeal swabs. However, this procedure requires separate analysis per each individual, performed in advanced centralized laboratory facilities with specialized medical personnel. In this study, an alternative approach termed “solid waste-based surveillance (SWBS)” was explored, in order to investigate SARS-CoV-2 infection in small communities through the indirect sampling of saliva left on waste. Sampling was performed at 20 different sites in Italy during the second peak of COVID-19. Three swabs were positive for SARS-CoV-2 using a published RT-qPCR protocol targeting the non-structural protein 14 region, and the viral load ranged 4.8 × 103–4.0 × 106 genome copies/swab. Amino acid substitutions already reported in SARS-CoV-2 sequences circulating in Italy (A222V and P521S) were detected in two positive samples. These findings confirmed the effectiveness of SWBS for non-invasive and dynamic SARS-CoV-2 surveillance., Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image

Purpose of this paper is to perform an energetic analysis on metal specimens under fatigue testing using the simultaneous application of different non-destructive techniques: thermography (TH), acoustic emission (AE) and digital image correlation (DIC). They assure the better evaluation, being contactless methods, usable in real time and, even if TH and DIC are related to the specimen surface, representative of the inside state of the materials. In particular, the cascade of hits and the acoustic energy were recorded to assess the parameters linked to the fracture of the materials. At the same time, the surface temperature, detected by a thermocamera, and the displacements induced on the specimen, using the DIC on the free zone of the specimens, were recorded. The DIC analysis allows the evaluation of the correct displacement by a pattern realized on the opposite face respect to TH. AE data and hysteresis curves (derived by DIC) were compared with the measures acquired by TH and reveal a reliable correlation between them in terms of fatigue limit.

Background Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV), a plant virus belonging to Virgoviridae, has recently been suggested as a potential viral indicator for faecal pollution in aquatic environments, since it has been found to be abundantly excreted from healthy human subjects. Methods The occurrence, amount and diversity of PMMoV was investigated in water environments by nested RT-PCR and TaqMan based quantitative PCR. During 2017-2019, 251 water samples (92 urban wastewaters, 32 treated effluents, 16 surface water samples, 9 estuarine samples, 20 seawater samples, 67 groundwater samples, and 15 drinking waters) were analysed. Results PMMoV was detected in 73/92 (79%) wastewater samples, 22/32 (69%) treated sewages, 11/16 (69%) river samples, 6/9 (67%) estuarine samples, 5/20 (25%) bathing waters, and 9/67 (13%) groundwaters, whilst drinking water samples tested always negative. Mean viral concentrations (genome copies/L) were: raw sewage 4.2 × 106, treated sewage 7.4 × 105, river 3.2 × 103, estuarine waters 9.6 × 102, seawaters 3.0 × 102, groundwaters 7.7 × 101. Conclusions This study highlights the significant occurrence of PMMoV in aquatic environment in Italy, and a clear gradient of viral prevalence and concentrations from polluted to clean waters (wastewaters to drinking waters). Key messages PMMoV is ubiquitous throughout the water cycle in Italy with different concentrations. Studies are needed to evaluate the suitability of PMMoV as a viral indicator for human fecal pollution in waters.