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follow-up studies on registries of severe/uncontrolled asthma (SUA) patients are scanty.to analyze baseline and follow-up characteristics of SUA patients and their longitudinal patterns.180 adult patients (age ≥15 yrs) were investigated at baseline and 12-month follow-up through the Italian SUA registry (RItA). Latent transition analysis (LTA) was performed to detect cross-sectional SUA phenotypes and longitudinal patterns. Risk factors for longitudinal patterns were assessed through logistic regression.a significant/borderline improvement of asthma control outcomes in the last 2-4 weeks emerged at follow-up with respect to baseline for: daily activities limitations (Δ -16%), frequent diurnal symptoms (Δ -25%), uncontrolled asthma symptoms according to ACT (Δ -26%). Last 12-month use of oral corticosteroids was less frequent at follow-up than at baseline (Δ -25%). Health status improvement was confirmed by lung function test results. Through LTA, two longitudinal patterns were detected considering last 12-month control outcomes: "persistence/worsening" (53.9%), "under control/improvement" (46.1%). A lower likelihood of having "persistence/worsening" SUA was exhibited by patients under anti-IgE (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.17-0.84) and inhaled corticosteroids-bronchodilator association treatment (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.01-1.26, borderline value), while a higher likelihood was shown by older age at first asthma diagnosis (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.07).the implementation of a SUA registry, the availability of patient-level data and the application of an innovative longitudinal analysis allowed to observe a general improvement in asthma control, one year after baseline, and a lower risk of SUA "persistence/worsening" in patients under anti-IgE and regular ICS-bronchodilator association use.

Substantial knowledge is available on the association of the indoor school environment and its effect among schoolchildren. In the same context, the SINPHONIE (School indoor pollution and health: Observatory network in Europe) conducted a study to collect data and determine the distribution of several indoor air pollutants (IAPs), physical and thermal parameters and their association with eye, skin, upper-, lower respiratory and systemic disorder symptoms during the previous three months. Finally, data from 115 schools in 54 European cities from 23 countries were collected and included 5175 schoolchildren using a harmonized and standardized protocol. The association between exposures and the health outcomes were examined using logistic regression models on the environmental stressors assessed in classroom while adjusting for several confounding factors; a VOC (volatile organic compound) score defined as the sum of the number of pollutants to which the children were highly exposed (concentration > median of the distribution) in classroom was also introduced to evaluate the mul tiexposu re - outcome association. Schoolchildren while adjusting for several confounding factors. Schoolchildren exposed to above or equal median concentration of PM2.5, benzene, limonene, ozone and radon were at significantly higher odds of suffering from upper, lower airways, eye and systemic disorders. Increased odds were also observed for any symptom (sick school syndrome) among schoolchildren exposed to concentrations of limonene and ozone above median values. Furthermore, the risks for upper and lower airways and systemic disorders significantly increased with the VOCs score. Results also showed that increased ventilation rate was significantly associated with decreased odds of suffering from eye and skin disorders whereas similar association was observed between temperature and upper airways symptoms. The present study provides evidence that exposure to IAPs in schools is associated with various health problems in children. Further investigations are needed to confirm our findings. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Photocatalytic degradation of terephthalic acid (TPA) has been studied on commercial ZnO immobilized on polystyrene (PS) beads (mean size: 1.5 × 1.5 × 0.1 cm) and located in a stainless steel flat plate reactor with an irradiation window realized in a UV transparent polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA UVT) in order to make the system able to work also at high pressure. In this way, it is possible to overcome, both the problems related to the photocatalysts separation after the wastewater treatment and those ones caused by the inlet pressure (which may be higher than atmospheric one) of incoming wastewater. The solvent casting-method used for photocatalyst preparation is able to induce the formation of ZnO particles in form of isles dispersed on PS macro surface. Moreover XRD analysis evidenced that the PS support didn’t influence the crystalline arrangement of ZnO in wurtzite phase. The structured composite photocatalyst ZnO-PS showed high ability in the degradation of TPA giving its total mineralization under UV irradiation at atmospheric pressure. Increasing the pressure, similar levels of TPA removal were observed. This finding demonstrated the possibility, for the developed photocatalytic system, to operate under moderate pressure without worsening the photocatalytic performances.

Background Although general practitioners (GPs) are frequently the first healthcare professionals whom asthma patients refer to for their symptoms, few studies have explored the extent of adherence to guidelines for asthma management based on data provided directly by GPs. Aims of the present study were to assess drug prescriptions for asthma by GPs and to evaluate prescriptive adherence to GINA guidelines (GL) and its relationship with disease control in real life. Methods 995 asthmatic patients (45% males, mean age 43.3 ± 17.7 yrs) were enrolled by 107 Italian GPs distributed throughout the country. Data on diagnosis, disease severity, prescribed anti-asthmatic drugs and control were collected through questionnaires filled out by GPs taking into consideration the 2009 GINA Guidelines. Data on drug use and chronic sinusitis, nasal polyposis, chronic bronchitis, emphysema were reported by patients through a self-administered questionnaire. Results The large majority of patients were classified by GPs as having intermittent (48.4%) or mild persistent asthma (25.3%); 61% had co-morbid allergic rhinitis (AR). The prevalent therapeutic regimen used by patients was a combination of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) plus long-acting β2-agonists (LABA) (54.1%), even in the intermittent/mild persistent group. ICS as mono-therapy or in combination with other drugs but LABA, was the second most frequently adopted treatment (14.4%). In general, the GPs adherence to GL treatment indications was 28.8%, with a significant association with a good asthma control (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.18–2.92). On the other hand, comorbidity (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.32–0.84), moderate (0.44, 0.28–0.69) and severe (0.06, 0.02–0.20) persistent asthma showed significant negative effects on asthma control. Conclusions Our results show that over-treatment of intermittent/mild persistent asthma is frequent in the GPs setting while therapeutic regimens are more appropriately applied for moderate/severe asthma. In general, we found low adherence to GINA GL treatment recommendations even if its relevance in asthma control was confirmed.

In the present paper, a stable MoO x /TiO 2 photocatalyst, active in the photocatalytic oxidation of As(III) to As(V), was successfully immobilized on quartz flakes and tested under different UV irradiation intensities and initial As(III) concentration. The structured photocatalyst was prepared in two steps, realizing a coating of TiO 2 on quartz flakes by sol–gel method, and then transferring the molybdenum species through an equilibrium adsorption method. The obtained samples were characterized by SEM–EDAX analysis, N 2 adsorption at −196 °C and Laser Raman spectra. SEM–EDAX results showed the preferential interaction between Mo species and titania layer and a very good dispersion of MoO x on the TiO 2 film deposited on the transparent support. Raman spectra confirmed the presence of hydrated octahedrally polymolybdate species well anchored to the TiO 2 surface. Photocatalytic oxidation tests showed that the complete conversion of As(III) to As(V) was achieved in the presence of MoO x /TiO 2 catalyst supported on quartz flakes within 120 min of UV irradiation. The catalyst maintained an excellent photocatalytic activity and durability after four cycles in aerated water avoiding the photoreduction of the MoO x species. The developed structured photocatalyst can be easily separated from the reaction mixture, making it a very promising catalyst to be employed in continuous reactors for the photocatalytic treatment of arsenic polluted water.

The prevalence of asthma and allergies including atopy has increased during the past decades, particularly in westernized countries. The rapid rise in the prevalence of such diseases cannot be explained by genetic factors alone. Rapid urbanization and industrialization throughout the world have increased air pollution and population exposures, so that most epidemiologic studies are focusing on possible links between air pollution and respiratory diseases. Furthermore, a growing body of evidence shows that chemical air pollution may interact with airborne allergens enhancing the risk of atopic sensitization and exacerbation of symptoms in sensitized subjects. These phenomena are supported by current in vitro and animal studies showing that the combined exposure to air pollutants and allergens may have a synergistic or additive effect on asthma and allergies, although there is an insufficient evidence about this link at the population level. Further research is needed in order to elucidate the mechanisms by which pollutants and biological allergens induce damage in exposed subjects. The abatement of the main risk factors for asthma and allergic diseases may achieve huge health benefits. Thus, it is important to raise awareness of respiratory allergies as serious chronic diseases which place a heavy burden on patients and on society as a whole.

BACKGROUND A typical approach for removing As from drinking water includes a pre-oxidation step to transform the more toxic As(III) to As(V) and a subsequent separation process for As(V) removal. Unfortunately, typical oxidants result in the formation of toxic oxidation by-products, so alternative options, such as TiO2 photocatalysis, have been investigated. But As(V) produced by oxidation of As (III) remains adsorbed on the catalyst surface, thus limiting process efficiency. In this work a new catalyst based on molybdenum oxide supported on titania (MoOx/TiO2) was investigated to overcome this drawback. RESULTS The complete photocatalytic oxidation of As(III) (5 mg L−1) to As(V) took place after 120 min exposure to UV-A light. Moreover, the removal of As(V) by adsorption treatment downstream of the photocatalytic process was more effective (90% by γ-Al2O3 after 10 min) compared with the combined photocatalysis–adsorption process. Finally, the experimental set-up with UV LED irradiation was found to be more effective (96% As(III) converted) than the UV-A light system (75% As(III) converted). CONCLUSION Photocatalytst did not adsorb As(V) which was completely released into the solution, thus preserving its surface activity and, consequently, drastically reducing operating costs related to catalyst reactivation. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry

Background: Few information are available on IAQ perception in schoolchildren. Aim: to evaluate IAQ perception (IAQp) in relation to indoor PM 2.5 and CO 2 , and to respiratory symptoms at school. Methods: respiratory symptoms in the last week and IAQp (on a 6 points scale, 0=extremely poor) were assessed in 2273 children (mean age 10yrs ± 1.8, 50.8% males) of no. 7 Italian cities (44 schools, 130 classrooms). Continous measurements of PM 2.5 and CO 2 were performed with Dust-Track and Q-Track, respectively, for a week. Results: mean IAQp was 3.9 ± 1.4; poor (0-2), moderate (3-4), and good (5-6) IAQ were reported by 14.4%, 46.9%, and 38.7% of children, respectively. Levels of PM 2.5 > 25 μg/m 3 and CO 2 ≥ 1000 ppm were measured in 58% and 63% of classrooms, respectively. IAQp was inversely correlated to PM 2.5 and CO 2 (p 2.5 ≤ than > 25 μg/m 3 (46% vs 33%, p 2 2.5 > 25 μg/m 3 (OR 1.58, 95% IC 1.29, 1.93) and CO 2 ≥ 1000 ppm (1.24, 1.00-1.52). Conclusions: A simple and feasible questionnaire in schoolchildren is associated with indoor air quality levels and frequency of respiratory symptoms. Project supported by the National Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (CCM), National Health Service, Ministry of Health.

In 2014, the Italian severe/uncontrolled asthma (SUA) registry was released to improve asthma care, awareness, knowledge on natural history, phenotypes. Aim: to characterize Italian SUA patients. Methods: The web-based registry, containing demographic, clinical, functional, inflammatory data, included 492 SUA patients (by GINA guidelines) from 3 Italian centres (Pisa, Perugia, Ancona). Results: SUA patients were more frequently females (60.9%), obese/overweight (64.7%), with a mean age of 53.8 yrs. 36.9% had asthma familiarity, 83.1% allergic asthma, 77.2% perennial symptoms. A late-onset of asthma symptoms (30yr) and a late first diagnosis (34yr) were observed. Other than the combination bronchodilator/corticosteroid, 51.6% of patients received antileukotrienes, 19.5% anticholinergics, 15.8% oral corticosteroids, 69.4% anti-IgE. In the last 12 months, SUA patients had 1.5±2.4 mean number of exacerbations, 9.7% had an emergency department visit and 7.3% hospitalization, 57.5% took oral steroids for exacerbations. The median blood eosinophil count was 300/mm 3 . The median FENO was 22 ppb. 65 patients performed induced sputum: 64.6% had an eosinophilic asthma phenotype (sputum Eos ≥ 3%), 13.8% neutrophilic (sputum Neu ≥ 76%), 16.9% paucigranulocytic. Comorbidities included allergic rhinitis (62.4%), gastro-oesophageal reflux (42.1%), nasal polyposis (30.2%), allergic conjunctivitis (30.2%), aspirin hyper-sensitivity (22%). Conclusion: Italian SUA patients are characterized by late symptoms onset and diagnosis, indices of eosinophilic inflammation, high burden in terms of health care costs and comorbidity. Supported by: the Italian Medicines Agency; an unrestricted grant of Roche.

Although asthma is usually considered to originate in childhood, adult-onset is being increasingly reported. Aim: to assess factors associated to early- (

Rationale: in recent decades, there has been an increase in the prevalence of allergic respiratory diseases. Aim: to evaluate the role of atopy as a risk factor for developing allergic respiratory diseases in an Italian general population sample surveyed twice 18 years apart. Methods: a general population sample participated in a prospective cohort study carried out in Pisa in 1991-93 (n=2841) and 2009-11 (n=1620). 987 subjects participated in both surveys completing twice a standardized questionnaire on health status and risk factors and undergoing prick tests at baseline. By logistic regression models we assessed the association of atopy (skin test positivity (STP): wheal >5mm) with incidence of allergic respiratory diseases, adjusting for: age, sex, exposure to environmental pollution sources, urban/suburban residence, asthma familiarity, allergic rhinitis familiarity. Results: STP prevalence was 17.5%, mainly to pollens (9.5%) and dust mites (8.1%). Allergic rhinitis (AR) and AR symptoms incidence were significantly linked to cumulative SPT [OR 5.40 (95% CI 3.06-9.55) and 2.00 (1.28-3.13), respectively], to pollen STP [3.55 (1.53-8.23) and 2.37 (1.18-4.75), respectively] and to moulds STP [5.95 (1.58-22.45) for only AR). Asthma diagnosis/symptoms incidence was significantly linked to dust mites STP [2.81 (1.09-7.23)]. Conclusions: our longitudinal study shows that atopic sensitization is a predictive factor of the risk of developing allergic respiratory diseases, with seasonal allergens linked to AR and perennial allergens (dust mites) to asthma. These results may be useful for preventive strategies.

Heterogeneous photo-Fenton process with structured catalyst was investigated in the removal of two typical food azo dyes, red allura (RED) and tartrazine (TRZ). The influence of LaFeO3 loading (with and without Pt) on corundum honeycombs monolithic support was evaluated in the discoloration and mineralization of the target azo dyes. The results for discoloration were reported for different experimental conditions: UV, UV+H2O2, UV+H2O2+structured catalysts. In the case of UV alone the discoloration occurs very slowly and not completely (approximately 36 and 20% in 120 min of irradiation for RED and TRZ, respectively); but the process efficiency has been enhanced in the presence of H2O2 (approximately 77 and 80% in 5 min of irradiation for RED and TRZ, respectively). The best efficiency in RED dye discoloration and mineralization by heterogeneous photo-Fenton process was observed for a LaFeO3 loading equal to 4.5% by weight (complete discoloration and 95% of TOC removal in 60 min of irradiation time...

In industrialized countries the elderly spend most of their time indoors. The elderly may be at a higher risk of suffering from indoor air pollution-related diseases compared to the rest of the population, because of their increased exposure to potential indoor risk factors. This editorial aims to critically analyze the recent literature regarding this important topic. Results of studies performed on the elderly living in nursing homes clearly highlight that they are at risk of respiratory health impairment, even at moderate air pollutant concentrations, particularly if they are over 80 years of age and living in poorly ventilated nursing homes. The future epidemiological research on ageing and respiratory diseases should investigate the underlying biological and physiological mechanisms, in addition to the adverse health effects of potential indoor risk factors, in order to help defining effective strategies for healthy ageing.

Background: work exposure to fumes/gases/chemicals is associated with COPD symptoms/diagnosis but few epidemiological surveys on general population samples estimated such relationship over a long time interval. Objectives: to assess the association between long term work exposure to fume/gas/chemicals and COPD symptoms/diagnosis over a 20 yrs period. Methods: a general population sample participated in 2 surveys carried out in Pisa in 1991-93 and 2009-11. A standardised questionnaire on health status and risk factors was used. Chi-square test was used to compare long term work exposure [ever exposed (EE), at least once exposed (ATOE), never exposed (NE)] and the change in COPD symptoms/diagnosis from the 1st to the 2nd survey (COPD symptoms: persistent/incident vs never/remittent; COPD diagnosis: persistent/incident vs never/remittent). Logistic regression models (LRM) were run to analyse the association between persistent/incident COPD symptoms/diagnosis and work exposure adjusted for gender, age, smoking habits, asthma symptoms/diagnosis at the 1st survey, smoking habits and lifetime passive smoke exposure. Results: there were 1107 longitudinal subjects: 27.5% EE, 30.4% ATOE and 42.1% NE. LRM showed a significantly higher risk of having persistence/onset of: COPD diagnosis (OR=2.4, 95%CI=1.4-3.9), dyspnoea (OR=2.0, 95%CI=1.4-2.9), usual phlegm (OR=2.2, 95%CI=1.5-3.3), usual cough (OR= 1.6, 95%CI=1.0-2.3), in EE; dyspnoea (OR=1.7, 95%CI=1.2-2.3), usual phlegm (OR=1.5, 95%CI=1.1-2.2) in ATOE. Conclusions: our findings indicate a longitudinal association between work exposure and COPD. There is a need for the EU to implement effective strategies for COPD prevention in work settings.

International audience; In this work, the simultaneous production of CH4 and H2 from photocatalytic reforming of glucose aqueous solution on Pd-TiO2 catalysts under UV light irradiation by Light-Emitting Diodes (LED) was investigated. The Pd-TiO2 catalysts were prepared by the photodeposition method. The Pd content was in the range 0.5-2 wt% and a photodeposition time in the range 15-120 min was used. Pd-TiO2 powders were extensively characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), SBET, X-Ray Fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), UV-Vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectra (UV-Vis DRS), TEM and X-Ray Photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It was found that the lower Pd loading (0.5 wt%) and 120 min of photodeposition time allowed us to obtain homogeneously distributed metal nanoparticles of small size; it was also observed that the increase in the metal loading and deposition time led to increasing the Pd0 species effectively deposited on the sulfated TiO2 surface. Particle size and the oxidation state of the palladium were the main factors influencing the photocatalytic activity and selectivity. The presence of palladium on the sulfated titania surface enhanced the H2 and CH4 production. In fact, on the catalyst with 0.5 wt% Pd loading and 120 min of photodeposition time, H2 production of about 26 μmol was obtained after 3 h of irradiation time, higher than that obtained with titania without Pd (about 8.5 μmol). The same result was obtained for the methane production. The initial pH of the solution strongly affected the selectivity of the system. In more acidic conditions, the production of H2 was enhanced, while the CH4 formation was higher under alkaline conditions.

Aim: to assess how indoor toluene can affect respiratory health in schoolchildren. Methods: Symptoms in the last week and related risk factors were assessed through questionnaire in 1718 children (mean age 10yrs, 50.9% males) of seven Italian cities. Measurements of pollutants were performed in 130 classrooms (44 schools). Toluene was measured by Radiello passive diffusive samplers. Results: The levels of indoor toluene were relatively low: median concentration was 3.10 µg/m 3 . Prevalences of dry cough and nasal problems (including runny nose, dry nose) were respectively 25% (12% at school) and 72.8% (49% at school). Multiple logistic regression accounted for centre, sex, age, diagnosis of asthma or rhinitis, passive smoking at home, asthma/rhinitis familiarity, levels of indoor particulate and carbon dioxide, indicated toluene was associated with higher risk of any dry cough (OR for log unit 1.34, 95%CI 1.16-1.55) and dry cough at school (OR 1.45, 1.18-1.79), any nasal problems (OR 1.17, 1.03-1.32) and nasal problems at school (OR 1.18, 1.05-1.33). Conclusion: Although toluene levels in classrooms were relatively low, the exposure to this volatile organic compound seems to be a risk factor for respiratory health of schoolchildren. The project was supported by the National Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (CCM), National Health Service, Ministry of Health.

Background: application of international guidelines is expected to guarantee a better disease management and control in asthmatic patients. Aim: to assess the association between not appropriate treatment and disease control outcomes in outpatients, through implementation of the on-line Italian Registry of severe/not controlled asthma (SNCA). Methods: longitudinal observational study in Italian specialistic centres on SNCA patients. Pulmonologists collected information on asthma control, management and risk factors at baseline and during the control visit. Data were directly entered via web in the on-line Registry. SNCA treatment was considered appropriate if used drugs were conform with pharmacological treatment recommended in the GINA guidelines. To assess the effects of a not appropriate treatment over time, the relationship between subjects with a longitudinal appropriate (LA)/not appropriate (LNA) treatment and follow-up control outcomes was analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses (adjusting for age, sex, BMI). Results: the Registry contains information on 195 longitudinal cases: 45 (23.1%) LNA. Through logistic regression model, being LNA vs being LA was significantly associated with the following indicators of uncontrolled asthma: not/partially controlled asthma (OR 12.6, 95% CI 1.8-86.1), >2 times oral steroids use (7.7, 1.1-54.3) and hospitalizations (14.4, 1.4-144.3). There was a borderline relation with: >1 exacerbation (2.6, 0.9-7.8), emergency department visits (11.4, 0.7-175.2). Conclusions: within the Italian SNCA registry, a not appropriate treatment is related to lower disease control. Funded by Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA), Independent Research Contract FARM8YRYZC.

Background: Recently, there has been a growing interest about the emission of unpleasant odors due to their potential health impacts. Aim: to evaluate the associations between odor annoyance perception and health in neighbors of Pisa waste incinerator. Methods: the circular study area, centered on the incinerator, was divided in 5 rings, with radius 0.4, 0.8, 1.4, 2.7, 4.0, for sampling subjects according to household residence. Controls were randomly chosen outside the study area. 1407 subjects filled out a self-administered standardized questionnaire on respiratory symptoms/diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, risk factors and odor annoyance levels (no, slightly annoying, very annoying). Results: prevalence rates of odor annoyance perception in 1407 subjects participating in the survey (50% males, mean age 44 ± 22 yrs) were: 39.8% no odor perceived;19.1% slightly annoying odors; 41.2% very annoying odors. By multivariate analysis, adjusted for independent effects ofgender, age, residence-incinerator distance, education, working position, active and passive smoking, residence duration, occupational exposure, odor annoyance perception was significantly associated with the following respiratory symptoms/diseases: phlegm (OR 2.13, 95%CI 1.40-3.23), cough (OR 2.54, 95%CI 1.74-3.71), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (OR 1.88, 95%CI 1.01-3.48), dyspnea (OR 1.89, 95%CI 1.33-2.67), asthma (OR 1.95, 95%CI 1.14-3.35), asthma symptoms (OR 1.85, 95%CI 1.23-2.78) and allergic rhinitis (OR 1.53, 95%CI 1.05-2.24). Conclusion: Our study shows an association among respiratory effects and odor annoyance perception, which thus might be used as a proxy of environmental air pollution exposure.

Background Few epidemiological surveys on general population samples estimated changes in prevalence of respiratory symptoms/diseases over a long time interval; our study aims to quantify the temporal changes in the prevalence rates of asthma, allergic rhinitis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) after 25 years from baseline. Methods A general population sample participated in 3 cross-sectional surveys carried out in Central Italy (Pisa) in 1985–88 (n = 3865), 1991–93 (n = 2841), 2009–11 (n = 1620). 2276 (47%) subjects participated in at least 1 survey, 1723 (35.5%) in at least 2 surveys and 849 (17.5%) in all the 3 surveys. All subjects filled in a standardized questionnaire about health status and risk factors; a sub-sample performed spirometry. Chi-square test was used to compare adjusted prevalence rates of respiratory symptoms/diseases and descriptive characteristics among the surveys. Generalised estimating equations (GEE) were used to analyze the association between respiratory symptoms/diseases and risk factors. Results There was an increasing trend in prevalence rates of all respiratory symptoms/diseases throughout the surveys: current asthma attacks (1st–3rd survey prevalence: 3.4–7.2%), allergic rhinitis (16.2–37.4%), usual phlegm (8.7–19.5%) and COPD (2.1–6.8%) more than doubled. The GEE model confirmed these increasing trends, indicating higher risk of having respiratory symptoms/diseases in the second and third surveys. Conclusions While asthma and allergic rhinitis increasing trends were confirmed, with respect to other international studies, also a COPD increasing prevalence rates was shown.

To confer self-cleaning properties to ceramic tiles through photocatalytic phenomena, TiO2 is deposited as thin films on their surface. However, photocatalytic properties could be strongly influenced by physico-chemical characteristics of the ceramic support. For this reason, this investigation was aimed to study the influence of porosimetric characteristics of different ceramic tiles on adsorption and photocatalytic activity induced by deposited TiO2 film in the presence of UV light. Experimental data in dark conditions showed that the porosity of the support strongly influenced the adsorption phenomenon of methylene blue (MB). Porosimetric characteristic of samples were tested by Hg intrusion. Higher porosity of the ceramic substrate increased the amount of MB adsorbed. On the contrary, photocatalytic tests have evidenced that a lower porosity of the support determined a higher MB discoloration rate. These results could be explained considering the MB internal diffusion phenomena limit the overall activity inside the porosimetric structure of functionalized tiles.

Few data exist on respiratory effects of indoor air quality and comfort parameters in the elderly. In the context of the GERIE study, we investigated for the first time the relationships of these factors to respiratory morbidity among elderly people permanently living in nursing homes in seven European countries. 600 elderly people from 50 nursing homes underwent a medical examination and completed a standardised questionnaire. Air quality and comfort parameters were objectively assessed in situ in the nursing home. Mean concentrations of air pollutants did not exceed the existing standards. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity ratio was highly significantly related to elevated levels of particles with a 50% cut-off aerodynamic diameter of Few data exist on respiratory effects of indoor air quality and comfort parameters in the elderly. In the context of the GERIE study, we investigated for the first time the relationships of these factors to respiratory morbidity among elderly people permanently living in nursing homes in seven European countries. 600 elderly people from 50 nursing homes underwent a medical examination and completed a standardised questionnaire. Air quality and comfort parameters were objectively assessed in situ in the nursing home. Mean concentrations of air pollutants did not exceed the existing standards. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity ratio was highly significantly related to elevated levels of particles with a 50% cut-off aerodynamic diameter of

(Photo)catalytic propene hydration to 2-propanol and glycerol dehydration to acrolein were carried out by using Keggin heteropolyacids (HPAs) supported on TiO 2 . Binary materials have been prepared by impregnation of H 3 PW 12 O 40 , H 3 PMo 12 O 40 and H 4 SiW 12 O 40 , on TiO 2 Evonik P25. Moreover, a binary material consisting of H 4 SiW 12 O 40 and TiO 2 was prepared via a hydrothermal treatment and tested for the same reactions. All the materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy observations (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) measurements, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The supported Keggin HPA species played a key role both for the catalytic and for the photo-assisted catalytic reactions due to their strong acidity and ability to form strong oxidant species under UV irradiation.

Photocatalytic oxidation of As(III) to As(V) was investigated using a new catalyst based on molybdenum oxide supported on titania (MoO x /TiO 2 ), under different irradiation intensities and catalyst dosages. Photocatalysts were prepared by incipient wet impregnation of anatase titania with ammonium heptamolybdate solutions. The obtained samples were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, N 2 adsorption at −196 °C, X-ray diffraction, Laser Raman spectra and UV–vis reflectance spectra. UV–vis DRS spectra of the photocatalysts evidenced that the surface coverage with MoO x did not significantly decrease the equivalent band gap energies. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that up to 8.4 wt% Mo-loading, molybdenum oxide remains on the surface of titania support as amorphous phases. Raman spectra showed the presence of hydrated octahedrally molybdate anchored species interacting with TiO 2 surface and a molybdenum oxide monolayer coverage of corresponding to about 9.8 wt% of MoO 3 . Photocatalytic oxidation tests showed that TiO 2 alone is not able to oxidize all As(III) present in solution, while the complete conversion of As(III) to As(V) was achieved in the presence of MoO x /TiO 2 catalyst. In particular, the best conversion was observed within 60 min of exposure to UV light irradiation with a Mo-loading corresponding to a monolayer coverage. As(V) produced during the photoreaction was completely released into solution, thus not occupying stably the active sites which results in a photocatalyst with high stability over the time.

In this work, tiles functionalized with N-doped TiO