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The wide range of applications of nanoparticles (NPs) has increased the probability of environmental and occupational exposure. In a previous comparative study on cell line A549, we observed that oxidative stress caused by Co3O4 NPs affects the energetic homeostasis and the detoxification capacity, preventing autophagy induced by TiO2 NPs. In this study, we have investigated the effects of NPs on the cell cycle.Cytofluorimetric analysis showed a slow-down of the cell cycle progression for both NPs, with increases in the percentage of resting cells in the G0/G1. These observations were confirmed by a reduced expression of all cyclins, especially of CCNE1 and CDK2, involved in the late stages of the G1 phase, coupled with a significant increase in the expression of p21 only for Co3O4 NP exposure. On the contrary, the effects of TiO2 NPs were modest. Cell cycle related miRNA-34a, miRNA-126 and miRNA-1290 resulted increased at different early time-points (4-8h) but were down-expressed at 24h-48h only after TiO2 NP exposure. Our results show that NPs have an antiproliferative effect and deregulate cell cycle on A549 cells. These effects should not be underestimated because regulation of cycle progression is crucial for cell survival and repair of genetic damage.

RIASSUNTO. Il benzene è un inquinante ubiquitario presente in concentrazioni misurabili non solo in ambienti di lavoro ma anche nell’aria urbana (outdoor e indoor). L’esposizione non professionale della popolazione a benzene è caratterizzata da costante e continua assunzione di basse dosi, prevalentemente con l’aria. La valutazione dell’impatto sanitario dell’esposizione al benzene nei bambini riveste chiaramente un interesse prioritario dal punto di vista di sanità pubblica. In particolare, le conseguenze potrebbero essere più importanti rispetto agli adulti a causa di esposizione più prolungata nel tempo e di una attività motoria più intensa, della relativa immaturità del sistema ematopoietico e per i maggiori volumi e frequenze respiratori a parità di unità di peso corporeo. Scopo della ricerca è stato quello di studiare l’esposizione al benzene in età pediatrica e di individuare le principali fonti di esposizione in questa particolare categoria a rischio. L’indagine è stata realizzata su un campione di 243 bambini (età 5 - 11 anni), reclutati in due scuole primarie di due città di medie e piccole dimensioni, della Regione Lazio. La determinazione del livello di benzene e dei metaboliti acido trans,trans-muconico e acido S-fenilmercapturico (t,t-MA e S-PMA) sono state eseguite con metodica analitica SPME/GC-MS (benzene) e LC MS/MS (metaboliti) su campioni di urine raccolti alla fine di una “giornata tipo” e i possibili fattori di esposizione relativi ad ogni partecipante sono stati identificati mediante questionario elaborato “ad hoc”. I risultati analitici hanno evidenziato valori medi di benzene urinario pari a 348,03 ng/l, di t,t-MA pari a 106,47 µg/g creatinina e di S-PMA pari a 0,28 µg/g creatinina. Gli stessi analiti sono stati confrontati con i dati derivanti dall’elaborazione dei questionari confermando come principale fattore di esposizione il fumo passivo, evidenziando valori medi di benzene urinario negli esposti pari ad un valore doppio rispetto ai non esposti. ABSTRACT. Benzene is an ubiquitous environmental pollutant and a certain human carcinogen, very spread worldwide. Non professional exposure is characterized by continuous exposure to low concentrations of benzene, prevalently in air. Health impact assessment of benzene exposure in children plays a primary interest: consequences could be more serious than in adults, because of exposure more extend and relative immaturity of hematopoietic system and greater respiratory volumes and frequencies than adults. The aim of the research was to study benzene exposure in children and to find major source of exposure in this risk category. Investigation was carried out in 243 children (age 5 – 11 years), recruited in two primary schools of two cities, respectively medium and small dimensions, of Lazio Region. Benzene level and benzene metabolites, tans,trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA) and S-phenylmercapturic acid (S-PMA), was carried out with analytic method SPME/GC-MS (benzene) and LC MS/MS (metabolites) on urine collected at the end of a “typical day” and possible exposure factor of each participant was identified by a questionnaire elaborated “ad hoc”. The analytical results evidenced urinary benzene average values equal to 348.03 ng/l, t,t-MA equal to 106.47 creatinine μg/g and S-PMA equal to 0.28 creatinine μg/g. The same values, were compared with the data from questionnaires. The results confirmed passive smoking as the main factor of exposure, highlighting double average values of urinary benzene in exposed subjects as compared with non exposed subjects.

Research shows that work stress generally has a negative impact on health behaviours. However, most of the research in this area is quantitative and focuses on a narrow range of work factors. The present research aimed to provide a more complete picture of the disruptive and/or facilitative impact of work on health behaviours by asking employees about their experiences of four behaviours; smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise and eating.\ud We conducted semi-structured interviews with 24 employees of an information technology company. Four main themes were identified from a content analysis.\ud Individuals perceived that being busy at work led to a shortage of time for healthy behaviour, but had a positive impact on smoking. Business events such as lunches and travel were seen as disrupting employees’ routines and changed the availability of factors that facilitate healthy behaviour. The work environment, for example, corporate gym membership and no smoking policy, was perceived as promoting healthy behaviour. However, a lack of availability of healthy food or on-site exercise facilities was unhelpful. Work stress was associated with health behaviours being used as a coping response, which in the case of exercise, may be considered an adaptive response. These findings have implications for worksite health promotion.