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Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection affects millions of individuals worldwide and can lead to severe leukemia, myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis, and numerous other disorders. Pursuing a safe and effective immunotherapeutic approach, we compared the viral polyprotein and the human proteome with a sliding window approach in order to identify oligopeptide sequences unique to the virus. The immunological relevance of the viral unique oligopeptides was assessed by searching them in the immune epitope database (IEDB). We found that HTLV-1 has 15 peptide stretches each consisting of uniquely viral non-human pentapeptides which are ideal candidate for a safe and effective anti-HTLV-1 vaccine. Indeed, experimentally validated HTLV-1 epitopes, as retrieved from the IEDB, contain peptide sequences also present in a vast number of human proteins, thus potentially instituting the basis for cross-reactions. We found a potential for cross-reactivity between the virus and the human proteome and described an epitope platform to be used in order to avoid it, thus obtaining effective, specific, and safe immunization. Potential advantages for mRNA and peptide-based vaccine formulations are discussed.
Guglielmo Lucchese; Hamid Jahantigh; Leonarda De Benedictis; Piero Lovreglio; Angela Stufano. An Epitope Platform for Safe and Effective HTLV-1-Immunization: Potential Applications for mRNA and Peptide-Based Vaccines. Viruses 2021, 13, 1461 .
AMA StyleGuglielmo Lucchese, Hamid Jahantigh, Leonarda De Benedictis, Piero Lovreglio, Angela Stufano. An Epitope Platform for Safe and Effective HTLV-1-Immunization: Potential Applications for mRNA and Peptide-Based Vaccines. Viruses. 2021; 13 (8):1461.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGuglielmo Lucchese; Hamid Jahantigh; Leonarda De Benedictis; Piero Lovreglio; Angela Stufano. 2021. "An Epitope Platform for Safe and Effective HTLV-1-Immunization: Potential Applications for mRNA and Peptide-Based Vaccines." Viruses 13, no. 8: 1461.
The COVID-19 incidence in 61 manufacturing plants in Europe (EU), North America (NA) and Latin-America (LATAM) was compared with the incidence observed in the countries where the plants are located in order to evaluate the application of an innovative model for COVID-19 risk management. Firstly, a network of local and global teams was created, including an external university occupational physician team for scientific support. In July 2020, global prevention guidelines for the homogenous management of the pandemic were applied, replacing different site or regional procedures. A tool for COVID-19 monitoring was implemented to investigate the relationship between the incidence rates inside and outside the plants. In the period of May–November 2020, 565 confirmed cases (EU 330, NA 141, LATAM 94) were observed among 20,646 workers with different jobs and tasks, and in the last two months 85% EU and 70% NA cases were recorded. Only in 10% of cases was a possible internal origin of the contagion not excluded. In the EU and NA, unlike LATAM, the COVID-19 incidence rates inside the sites punctually followed the rising trend outside. In conclusion, the model, combining a global approach with the local application of the measures, maintains the sustainability in the manufacturing industry.
Piero Lovreglio; Angela Stufano; Francesco Cagnazzo; Nicola Bartolomeo; Ivo Iavicoli. Application of an Innovative Model for the Risk Management of COVID-19 in a Multinational Manufacturing Company. Sustainability 2021, 13, 5771 .
AMA StylePiero Lovreglio, Angela Stufano, Francesco Cagnazzo, Nicola Bartolomeo, Ivo Iavicoli. Application of an Innovative Model for the Risk Management of COVID-19 in a Multinational Manufacturing Company. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (11):5771.
Chicago/Turabian StylePiero Lovreglio; Angela Stufano; Francesco Cagnazzo; Nicola Bartolomeo; Ivo Iavicoli. 2021. "Application of an Innovative Model for the Risk Management of COVID-19 in a Multinational Manufacturing Company." Sustainability 13, no. 11: 5771.
Short-term exposure to air pollution, as well as to climate variables have been linked to a higher incidence of respiratory viral diseases. The study aims to assess the short-term influence of air pollution and climate on COVID19 incidence in Lombardy (Italy), during the early stage of the outbreak, before the implementation of the lockdown measures. The daily number of COVID19 cases in Lombardy from February 25th to March 10th, 2020, and the daily average concentrations up to 15 days before the study period of particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5), O3, SO2, and NO2 together with climate variables (temperature, relative humidity – RH%, wind speed, precipitation), were analyzed. A univariable mixed model with a logarithm transformation as link function was applied for each day, from 15 days (lag15) to one day (lag1) before the day of detected cases, to evaluate the effect of each variable. Additionally, change points (Break Points-BP) in the relationship between incident cases and air pollution or climatic factors were estimated. The results did not show a univocal relationship between air quality or climate factors and COVID19 incidence. PM10, PM2.5 and O3 concentrations in the last lags seem to be related to an increased COVID19 incidence, probably due to an increased susceptibility of the host. In addition, low temperature and low wind speed in some lags resulted associated with increased daily COVID19 incidence. The findings observed suggest that these factors, in particular conditions and lags, may increase individual susceptibility to the development of viral infections such as SARS-CoV-2.
Angela Stufano; Stefania Lisco; Nicola Bartolomeo; Antonella Marsico; Guglielmo Lucchese; Hamidreza Jahantigh; Leonardo Soleo; Massimo Moretti; Paolo Trerotoli; Giuseppe De Palma; Piero Lovreglio. COVID19 outbreak in Lombardy, Italy: An analysis on the short-term relationship between air pollution, climatic factors and the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Environmental Research 2021, 198, 111197 -111197.
AMA StyleAngela Stufano, Stefania Lisco, Nicola Bartolomeo, Antonella Marsico, Guglielmo Lucchese, Hamidreza Jahantigh, Leonardo Soleo, Massimo Moretti, Paolo Trerotoli, Giuseppe De Palma, Piero Lovreglio. COVID19 outbreak in Lombardy, Italy: An analysis on the short-term relationship between air pollution, climatic factors and the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Environmental Research. 2021; 198 ():111197-111197.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAngela Stufano; Stefania Lisco; Nicola Bartolomeo; Antonella Marsico; Guglielmo Lucchese; Hamidreza Jahantigh; Leonardo Soleo; Massimo Moretti; Paolo Trerotoli; Giuseppe De Palma; Piero Lovreglio. 2021. "COVID19 outbreak in Lombardy, Italy: An analysis on the short-term relationship between air pollution, climatic factors and the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection." Environmental Research 198, no. : 111197-111197.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and asbestosis are pulmonary interstitial diseases that may present overlapping clinical aspects in the full-blown phase of the disease. For both clinical entities the gold standard for diagnosis is histological examination, but its execution poses ethical problems, especially when performed for preventive or forensic purposes. To evaluate the application of internationally accepted clinical, anamnestic and radiological criteria for differential diagnosis between asbestosis and IPF, and to assess the ability to discriminate between the two diseases. Even if clinically similar, the two diseases present extremely different prognostic and therapeutic perspectives. Two clinical cases of IPF are reported, in which the differential diagnosis was made by studying occupational exposure to asbestos, the onset and progression of clinical symptoms, and the identification of specific radiological elements by means of chest High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT). The diagnosis of IPF could be made on the basis of the absence of significant exposure to asbestos, the early onset and rapid progression of dyspnea and restrictive ventilatory defects, in association with a pulmonary radiological pattern characterized by peculiar elements such as honeycombing. The diagnostic procedure adopted to make a differential diagnosis with asbestosis provides practical clinical elements facilitating the differentiation between the two forms of pulmonary fibrosis, a fundamental aspect of the activity of the occupational physician.
Angela Stufano; Arnaldo Scardapane; Maria Pia Foschino Barbaro; Leonardo Soleo; Massimo Corradi; Piero Lovreglio. Clinical and radiological criteria for the differential diagnosis between asbestosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Application in two cases. 2021, 112, 115 -122.
AMA StyleAngela Stufano, Arnaldo Scardapane, Maria Pia Foschino Barbaro, Leonardo Soleo, Massimo Corradi, Piero Lovreglio. Clinical and radiological criteria for the differential diagnosis between asbestosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Application in two cases. . 2021; 112 (2):115-122.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAngela Stufano; Arnaldo Scardapane; Maria Pia Foschino Barbaro; Leonardo Soleo; Massimo Corradi; Piero Lovreglio. 2021. "Clinical and radiological criteria for the differential diagnosis between asbestosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Application in two cases." 112, no. 2: 115-122.
Human T cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1) is the cause of adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL), uveitis, and certain pulmonary diseases. In recent decades, many scientists have proposed the development of different treatment and prevention strategies to combat HTLV-1 infection. In this study, we used bioinformatics tools to predict peptide and protein vaccine candidates against HTLV-1 that can potentially induce antibody production and both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell immune responses. Five critical proteins, viz., Hbz, Tax, Pol, Gag, and Env, were analyzed for predicting immunogenic T and B cell epitopes and subsequently evaluated using bioinformatics tools. Based on the predictions, the most antigenic epitopes were selected, and their interaction with immune receptors was investigated. We also designed a protein vaccine candidate with an eight-epitopes-rich domain, including overlapping epitopes detected on both B and T cells. Then, the interaction of the epitope and the designed protein with immune receptors was validated in an in silico docking study. The docking analysis showed that the O2 epitope and D8 protein interact strongly with immune receptors, especially the HLA-A*02:01 receptor. The stability of the interactions was investigated by molecular dynamics (MD) for 100 ns. The root mean square deviation, radius of gyration, hydrogen bonds, and solvent-accessible surface area were calculated for the 100 ns trajectory period. MD studies demonstrated that the O2–HLA-A*02:01 and D8–HLA-A*02:01 complexes were stable during the simulation. Analysis of in silico results showed that the peptide and the designed protein could elicit humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
Hamid Reza Jahantigh; Angela Stufano; Piero Lovreglio; Seyed Abdolrahim Rezaee; Khadijeh Ahmadi. In silico identification of epitope-based vaccine candidates against HTLV-1. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics 2021, 1 -18.
AMA StyleHamid Reza Jahantigh, Angela Stufano, Piero Lovreglio, Seyed Abdolrahim Rezaee, Khadijeh Ahmadi. In silico identification of epitope-based vaccine candidates against HTLV-1. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics. 2021; ():1-18.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHamid Reza Jahantigh; Angela Stufano; Piero Lovreglio; Seyed Abdolrahim Rezaee; Khadijeh Ahmadi. 2021. "In silico identification of epitope-based vaccine candidates against HTLV-1." Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics , no. : 1-18.
We assessed the presence of Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in reptiles, their ectoparasites and in questing ticks collected in a nature preserve park in southern Italy, as well as in a peri-urban area in another region. We also investigated the exposure to these pathogens in forestry workers, farmers and livestock breeders living or working in the nature preserve park given the report of anecdotal cases of spotted fever rickettsioses. Rickettsia spp. were molecularly detected in Podarcis muralis and Podarcis siculus lizards (i.e., 3.1%), in Ixodes ricinus (up to 87.5%) and in Neotrombicula autumnalis (up to 8.3%) collected from them as well as in I. ricinus collected from the environment (up to 28.4%). Rickettsia monacensis was the most prevalent species followed by Rickettsia helvetica. An undescribed member of the family Anaplasmataceae was detected in 2.4% and 0.8% of the reptiles and ectoparasites, respectively. Sera from human subjects (n = 50) were serologically screened and antibodies to Rickettsia spp. (n = 4; 8%), C. burnetti (n = 8; 16%) and A. phagocytophilum (n = 11; 22%) were detected. Two ticks collected from two forestry workers were positive for spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae. Ixodes ricinus is involved in the transmission of SFG rickettsiae (R. monacensis and R. helvetica) in southern Europe and lizards could play a role in the sylvatic cycle of R. monacensis, as amplifying hosts. Meanwhile, N. autumnalis could be involved in the enzootic cycle of some SFG rickettsiae among these animals. People living or working in the southern Italian nature preserve park investigated are exposed to SFG rickettsiae, C. burnetii and A. phagocytophilum.
Jairo Alfonso Mendoza-Roldan; Ranju Ravindran Santhakumari Manoj; Maria Stefania Latrofa; Roberta Iatta; Giada Annoscia; Piero Lovreglio; Angela Stufano; Filipe Dantas-Torres; Bernard Davoust; Younes Laidoudi; Oleg Mediannikov; Domenico Otranto. Role of reptiles and associated arthropods in the epidemiology of rickettsioses: A one health paradigm. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases 2021, 15, e0009090 .
AMA StyleJairo Alfonso Mendoza-Roldan, Ranju Ravindran Santhakumari Manoj, Maria Stefania Latrofa, Roberta Iatta, Giada Annoscia, Piero Lovreglio, Angela Stufano, Filipe Dantas-Torres, Bernard Davoust, Younes Laidoudi, Oleg Mediannikov, Domenico Otranto. Role of reptiles and associated arthropods in the epidemiology of rickettsioses: A one health paradigm. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases. 2021; 15 (2):e0009090.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJairo Alfonso Mendoza-Roldan; Ranju Ravindran Santhakumari Manoj; Maria Stefania Latrofa; Roberta Iatta; Giada Annoscia; Piero Lovreglio; Angela Stufano; Filipe Dantas-Torres; Bernard Davoust; Younes Laidoudi; Oleg Mediannikov; Domenico Otranto. 2021. "Role of reptiles and associated arthropods in the epidemiology of rickettsioses: A one health paradigm." PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases 15, no. 2: e0009090.
It is known in literature that women are frequently victims of murder, sexual assault and stalking. It is interesting to investigate the gender characterization when workplace bullying occurs. To investigate the phenomenon of workplace bullying and to understand if there are any relevant data about the gender aspects of workplace bullying by reviewing the literature in Italy. Review of articles on a sample of Italian workers. The research question followed the P.E.C.O. model and the article selection is based on PRISMA statement. Fourteen research strings were applied on: Pubmed, Microsoft Academic e Science Direct. A total of 32 articles were selected. There are few studies in which gender differences on workplace bullying and crimes related are analysed, in some cases it is considered in the research but not in the results section (n=6 articles). In the studies selected women are predominantly victims (n=10 articles), the aggressors instead are usually men (n=2 articles). The attacks suffered by women are frequently discriminations due to family management, children and gender related issues (n=6 articles). Men have the major consequences on mental health if compared to women (n=7 articles). Gender is relevant in the characterization of workplace bullying. There is a need for further investigation focusing on gender differences between perpetrators and victims of workplace bullying offences. A unique evaluation protocol is necessary for evaluating workplace bullying, the crimes linked to it and gender differences, to obtain a more accurate comparability of data.
Liliana Dassisti; Angela Stufano; Piero Lovreglio; Luigi Vimercati; Pasqua Loconsole; Ignazio Grattagliano. Donne e uomini, autori e vittime di mobbing in Italia: una revisione della letteratura. 2020, 111, 463 -477.
AMA StyleLiliana Dassisti, Angela Stufano, Piero Lovreglio, Luigi Vimercati, Pasqua Loconsole, Ignazio Grattagliano. Donne e uomini, autori e vittime di mobbing in Italia: una revisione della letteratura. . 2020; 111 (6):463-477.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLiliana Dassisti; Angela Stufano; Piero Lovreglio; Luigi Vimercati; Pasqua Loconsole; Ignazio Grattagliano. 2020. "Donne e uomini, autori e vittime di mobbing in Italia: una revisione della letteratura." 111, no. 6: 463-477.
The study aims to investigate the influence of exposure to low concentrations of benzene on urinary biomarkers of nucleic acid oxidative damage and methylation. Benzene exposure was characterized for 93 coke production workers by measuring both airborne benzene and S-phenylmercapturic acid (SPMA) and unmodified benzene (U-B) in urine samples, collected at the end of the shift (ES) and at the next morning before shift (next BS). In the same urinary samples, biomarkers of nucleic acid oxidative damage and methylation were determined. Urinary concentrations of cotinine and creatinine were also determined to evaluate the smoking effect and to normalize urinary concentrations of analytes, respectively. The biomarkers of benzene internal dose, of oxidative damage (8-hydroxyy-7,8-dihydroguanine, 8-hydroxy-7,8-dihydroguanosine and 8-hydroxy-7,8−2'deoxyguanosine) and some of the biomarkers of nucleic acid methylation (5-Methyl-Cytosine, 1-Methyl-Guanine and 7-Methyl-Guanine) were higher in the ES than the next BS samples. Positive associations between ES 5-Methyl-Cytosine and both SPMA and U-B were found. In conclusion, occupational exposure to low levels of benzene seems to be related to urinary ES 5-Methyl-Cytosine that could be a possible biomarker to evaluate the changes of the nucleic acid methylation status.
Piero Lovreglio; Angela Stufano; Roberta Andreoli; Cesare Tomasi; Paola Cagnazzi; Anna Barbieri; Leonardo Soleo; Giuseppe De Palma. Urinary biomarkers of nucleic acid oxidation and methylation in workers exposed to low concentrations of benzene. Toxicology Letters 2020, 331, 235 -241.
AMA StylePiero Lovreglio, Angela Stufano, Roberta Andreoli, Cesare Tomasi, Paola Cagnazzi, Anna Barbieri, Leonardo Soleo, Giuseppe De Palma. Urinary biomarkers of nucleic acid oxidation and methylation in workers exposed to low concentrations of benzene. Toxicology Letters. 2020; 331 ():235-241.
Chicago/Turabian StylePiero Lovreglio; Angela Stufano; Roberta Andreoli; Cesare Tomasi; Paola Cagnazzi; Anna Barbieri; Leonardo Soleo; Giuseppe De Palma. 2020. "Urinary biomarkers of nucleic acid oxidation and methylation in workers exposed to low concentrations of benzene." Toxicology Letters 331, no. : 235-241.
Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the exposure to Cobalt (Co) and Tungsten (W) in a group of hard metal tool sharpeners through a combined approach of air and biological monitoring, and to evaluate the effectiveness of a control and improvement intervention carried out in collaboration with the medical officers of the local Health Protection Agency, by biomonitoring. Methods: We enrolled 132 workers from 17 companies of the province of Brescia, northern Italy. The study was performed in two phases: 1) an environmental and biomonitoring survey to assess the workers’ exposure to Co and W at their usual working conditions; 2) a further biomonitoring survey 3 months after the enforcement of a control and improvement intervention, to assess its effectiveness. Results: Workers were found to be exposed to low concentration of airborne dust containing Co and W but after the intervention we recorded a significant decrease of the urinary concentrations of both Co and W. The extent of the decrease was correlated to the number of preventive industrial hygiene interventions that were carried out. Conclusions: Biological monitoring of Co and W in the hard metal tools manufacturing industry is a sensitive and effective method to evaluate the effectiveness of prevention practices.
M. Paganelli; J. Fostinelli; S. Renzetti; M. Sarnico; C. Tomasi; P. Lovreglio; I. Pilia; L. I. Lecca; G. De Palma. Occupational low-level exposure to hard metals: cobalt and tungsten biomonitoring as an effective tool to evaluate the effectiveness of industrial hygiene interventions for risk management. Biomarkers 2020, 25, 179 -185.
AMA StyleM. Paganelli, J. Fostinelli, S. Renzetti, M. Sarnico, C. Tomasi, P. Lovreglio, I. Pilia, L. I. Lecca, G. De Palma. Occupational low-level exposure to hard metals: cobalt and tungsten biomonitoring as an effective tool to evaluate the effectiveness of industrial hygiene interventions for risk management. Biomarkers. 2020; 25 (2):179-185.
Chicago/Turabian StyleM. Paganelli; J. Fostinelli; S. Renzetti; M. Sarnico; C. Tomasi; P. Lovreglio; I. Pilia; L. I. Lecca; G. De Palma. 2020. "Occupational low-level exposure to hard metals: cobalt and tungsten biomonitoring as an effective tool to evaluate the effectiveness of industrial hygiene interventions for risk management." Biomarkers 25, no. 2: 179-185.
Objectives: The study aims to investigate occupational exposure to carbon fibers impregnated with epoxy resins (carbon fiber reinforced [CFR]) in workers at an airplane fuselage section construction plant, by environmental and biological monitoring.Materials and methods: Determination of airborne CFR was done by environmental sampling with active samplers, 11 of which were stationary and 19 personal samplings. The subsequent analyses were performed in the scanning electron microscope fitted with an X-ray microanalysis system (SEM-EDXA). Biological monitoring was carried out by determining CFR in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) collected from 19 male workers who wore personal environmental samplers (exposed workers) and from 10 male workers at the same factory who had no occupational exposure to CFR (internal controls). CFR analysis was done by SEM, applying the method used for determining asbestos fibers in aqueous samples.Results: The airborne CFR concentrations were found to be significantly higher (p = 0.03) at personal samplings (median value 7.01 ff/L, range 1.24-11.16 ff/L) than stationary samplings (median value 1.93 ff/L, range 0.55-10.09 ff/L). The aerodynamic diameters calculated starting from the length and geometric diameter of the sampled CFRs were always higher than 20 µm. CFR was not found in any of the EBC samples collected from the exposed workers and controls.Conclusions: Despite the evidence of occupational exposure to low concentrations of CFR, the absence of such fibers in the EBC in the exposed workers confirms their non-respirability, as expected based on their aerodynamic diameter.
Piero Lovreglio; Angela Stufano; Daniela Mele; Pasquale Acquafredda; Danilo Cottica; Francesco Gardinali; Luigi Vimercati; Leonardo Soleo; Giuseppe De Palma. Occupational exposure to carbon fibers impregnated with epoxy resins and evaluation of their respirability. Inhalation Toxicology 2020, 32, 63 -67.
AMA StylePiero Lovreglio, Angela Stufano, Daniela Mele, Pasquale Acquafredda, Danilo Cottica, Francesco Gardinali, Luigi Vimercati, Leonardo Soleo, Giuseppe De Palma. Occupational exposure to carbon fibers impregnated with epoxy resins and evaluation of their respirability. Inhalation Toxicology. 2020; 32 (2):63-67.
Chicago/Turabian StylePiero Lovreglio; Angela Stufano; Daniela Mele; Pasquale Acquafredda; Danilo Cottica; Francesco Gardinali; Luigi Vimercati; Leonardo Soleo; Giuseppe De Palma. 2020. "Occupational exposure to carbon fibers impregnated with epoxy resins and evaluation of their respirability." Inhalation Toxicology 32, no. 2: 63-67.
Background: Homocysteine is a sulfur amino acid whose metabolism is activated in two pathways: remethylation to methionine, which requires folate and vitamin B12, and transsulfuration to cystathionine, which needs pyridoxal-5’-phosphate. High homocysteine level increases the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular diseases, and cognitive impairment. Some evidence showed that exposure to these metals increased plasma homocysteine levels. Methods: A systematic review was carried out to clarify the relationship between homocysteine blood levels and exposure to toxic heavy metals (Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, and Chromium). Results: The results of this systematic review indicate that exposure to Pb, Cr, Cd, and Hg is connected with nonphysiological homocysteine levels or vitamin B12 and folate serum concentrations. Conclusions: These findings reinforce the importance of involvement in exposure to heavy metals in homocysteine metabolism. This supports the role of blood metals as potential upstream modifiable risk factors to prevent the development of other established risk factors as hyperhomocysteinemia.
Caterina Ledda; Emanuele Cannizzaro; Piero Lovreglio; Ermanno Vitale; Angela Stufano; Angelo Montana; Giovanni Li Volti; Venerando Rapisarda. Exposure to Toxic Heavy Metals Can Influence Homocysteine Metabolism? Antioxidants 2019, 9, 30 .
AMA StyleCaterina Ledda, Emanuele Cannizzaro, Piero Lovreglio, Ermanno Vitale, Angela Stufano, Angelo Montana, Giovanni Li Volti, Venerando Rapisarda. Exposure to Toxic Heavy Metals Can Influence Homocysteine Metabolism? Antioxidants. 2019; 9 (1):30.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCaterina Ledda; Emanuele Cannizzaro; Piero Lovreglio; Ermanno Vitale; Angela Stufano; Angelo Montana; Giovanni Li Volti; Venerando Rapisarda. 2019. "Exposure to Toxic Heavy Metals Can Influence Homocysteine Metabolism?" Antioxidants 9, no. 1: 30.
The study investigated the influence of genetic polymorphisms of the enzymes for DNA repair and detoxification of reactive intermediates on spontaneous and bleomycin-induced (BLM) genotoxic damage in 43 workers exposed to very low doses of ionizing radiation (IR) (mean cumulative dose 5.31 mSv) and 43 subjects with no occupational exposure to IR (controls). In all the subjects examined, the frequency of chromosome aberrations (CAs) and micronuclei (MN), both spontaneous and BLM-induced, the Comet assay parameters (tail intensity), the genotypic variants of the DNA repair enzymes XRCC1 (Arg194Trp, Arg280His, Arg399Gln), XRCC3 (Thr241Met), XPD (Lys751Gln), and of the detoxification enzymes GSTM1 and GSTT1 (null genotype) and BLMH (A1450G) were determined. Among the biomarkers considered, only the frequency of total CAs (p < 0.05), and in particular of chromosome breaks (p < 0.01), was found to be significantly higher in the exposed workers than the controls. The frequency of spontaneous MN was higher in subjects with at least one allelic variant in XRCC1 than in carriers of the wild-type, but again only in exposed workers (p = 0.046). Linear regression analysis showed a positive dependency of the frequency of spontaneous chromosome breaks on occupational exposure, and a dependency of the frequency of BLM-induced MN negative on occupational exposure and positive on alcohol consumption and the null GSTM1 genotype. In conclusion, the frequency of chromosome breaks seems to be a useful cytogenetic biomarker for exposure to very low doses of IR, while only the combined effect of different gene variants or genetic, occupational, and lifestyle habits factors seems to be able to modulate the genotoxic effect of very low doses of IR.
Angela Stufano; Patrizia Chiarappa; Rosanna Bagnulo; Ignazio Drago; Venerando Rapisarda; Caterina Ledda; Luigi Vimercati; Leonarda De Benedictis; Nicoletta Resta; Leonardo Soleo; Piero Lovreglio. Influence of Polymorphisms of DNA Repair and GST Genes on Genotoxic Damage and Mutagen Sensitivity in Workers Occupationally Exposed to Very Low Doses of Ionizing Radiation. Applied Sciences 2019, 9, 5175 .
AMA StyleAngela Stufano, Patrizia Chiarappa, Rosanna Bagnulo, Ignazio Drago, Venerando Rapisarda, Caterina Ledda, Luigi Vimercati, Leonarda De Benedictis, Nicoletta Resta, Leonardo Soleo, Piero Lovreglio. Influence of Polymorphisms of DNA Repair and GST Genes on Genotoxic Damage and Mutagen Sensitivity in Workers Occupationally Exposed to Very Low Doses of Ionizing Radiation. Applied Sciences. 2019; 9 (23):5175.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAngela Stufano; Patrizia Chiarappa; Rosanna Bagnulo; Ignazio Drago; Venerando Rapisarda; Caterina Ledda; Luigi Vimercati; Leonarda De Benedictis; Nicoletta Resta; Leonardo Soleo; Piero Lovreglio. 2019. "Influence of Polymorphisms of DNA Repair and GST Genes on Genotoxic Damage and Mutagen Sensitivity in Workers Occupationally Exposed to Very Low Doses of Ionizing Radiation." Applied Sciences 9, no. 23: 5175.
To assess, by means of biological monitoring, exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and to metallic elements in Italian Navy workers operating near the industrial area in Taranto, and thereby estimate the health risk. A total of 450 workers in the Italian Navy were examined; they had office type jobs, and 150 of them worked near the industrial area in Taranto (exposed group), 150 in Taranto but far from this area (internal control group) and 150 in Brindisi (external control group). The recruited workers were administered a questionnaire inquiring about current and previous working activities, personal medical history, lifestyle and dietary habits, and their residence location. Then they collected a urine sample for the determination of 1-hydroxypyrene, 2-naphthol, cotinine and the metallic elements As, Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, Cu, Zn and Hg. The latter were measured in 110 workers in each group. In addition, in some of the work sites of the three groups, environmental samplings were carried out to determine PAHs and the 10 metallic elements, also taking into account the wind direction. Airborne benzo(a)pyrene concentrations at the different sampling sites ranged from 0.02 to 0.06 ng/m3 and naphthalene between <25 and 65.3 ng/m3, regardless of the wind direction. Among the metallic elements, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Hg, Pb, Cu and Zn were present at concentrations below or just above the limit of detection (LOD). Mn and Ni were slightly higher in the work sites of the exposed group. The urinary concentrations of 1-hydroxypyrene, 2-naphthol and the single metallic elements were not higher in the exposed workers group than in the other 2 groups. Smokers had significantly higher urinary 1-hydroxypyrene and 2-naphthol concentrations, whereas cigarette smoking did not condition a higher urinary elimination of metallic elements in the three groups with the exception of Cd and Pb. Moreover, residence location conditioned Mn, Hg and As urinary excretion, consumption of shellfish and/or crustaceans in the 72 hours before urine collection conditioned As elimination, and consumption of legumes in the 72 hours before urine collection conditioned Ni elimination. This research did not find a higher urinary excretion of 1-hydroxypyrene, 2-naphthol and As, Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, Cu, Zn and Hg in the exposed workers group as compared to the internal control group working far from the industrial area of Taranto, nor in the group working in another city far away from Taranto, Brindisi. Therefore, it indicated that workers in the Italian Navy operating near the industrial area in Taranto were not exposed to a greater risk attributable to exposure to PAHs and metallic elements than the two control groups.
Piero Lovreglio; Mauro Barbierato; Filippo Crociata; Enrico Mascia; Enrico Tomao; Laura Diomede; Elisabetta Gallo; Pietro Scaramuzzo; Ignazio Drago; Matteo Paganelli; Pietro Apostoli; Leonardo Soleo. Biological monitoring of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and to metallic elements in Italian Navy workers operating near the industrial area in Taranto (South Italy). La Medicina del lavoro 2018, 109, 339 -362.
AMA StylePiero Lovreglio, Mauro Barbierato, Filippo Crociata, Enrico Mascia, Enrico Tomao, Laura Diomede, Elisabetta Gallo, Pietro Scaramuzzo, Ignazio Drago, Matteo Paganelli, Pietro Apostoli, Leonardo Soleo. Biological monitoring of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and to metallic elements in Italian Navy workers operating near the industrial area in Taranto (South Italy). La Medicina del lavoro. 2018; 109 (5):339-362.
Chicago/Turabian StylePiero Lovreglio; Mauro Barbierato; Filippo Crociata; Enrico Mascia; Enrico Tomao; Laura Diomede; Elisabetta Gallo; Pietro Scaramuzzo; Ignazio Drago; Matteo Paganelli; Pietro Apostoli; Leonardo Soleo. 2018. "Biological monitoring of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and to metallic elements in Italian Navy workers operating near the industrial area in Taranto (South Italy)." La Medicina del lavoro 109, no. 5: 339-362.
The purpose of this study of the Italian Society of Reference Values (SIVR) was to provide the reference values for metals in the urine of the Italian general population. Thirteen sampling centres situated in the north, centre and south of Italy took part in this project. Each sampling centre selected 20 adult subjects. The sample was made up of 120 male and 140 female non-smokers or smokers who had abandoned the habit at least 5 years previously, aged between 18 and 60 years. Urine samples were obtained from the same subjects in June and again in November of the same year. During collection of these two samples, we administered an ad hoc questionnaire designed to assess factors that might influence exposure and the results of the study such as personal characteristics, occupational or extra-occupational activities, dietary habits, the presence of dental fillings containing amalgam, the frequency and mode of exposure to passive smoking and exhaust gases of motor vehicles (traffic). Therefore, the urinary levels of thirteen trace elements (Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, In, Mn, Ni, Pb, Pt, Sb, Tl and V) were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. The concentrations obtained (95th percentile) are in µg/L 0.034, 0.900, 2.24, 0.600, 24.0, 0.013, 1.53, 4.44, 2.64, 0.022, 0.095, 0.759 and 0.855 for Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, In, Mn, Ni, Pb, Pt, Sb, Tl and V, respectively. Further studies with a larger number of subjects are needed in order to continue the biomonitoring of the Italian general population and to monitor the modified levels over time.
Maria Cristina Aprea; Pietro Apostoli; Maurizio Bettinelli; Piero Lovreglio; Sara Negri; Luigi Perbellini; Andrea Perico; Maria Cristina Ricossa; Fabiola Salamon; Maria Luisa Scapellato; Ivo Iavicoli. Urinary levels of metal elements in the non-smoking general population in Italy: SIVR study 2012-2015. Toxicology Letters 2018, 298, 177 -185.
AMA StyleMaria Cristina Aprea, Pietro Apostoli, Maurizio Bettinelli, Piero Lovreglio, Sara Negri, Luigi Perbellini, Andrea Perico, Maria Cristina Ricossa, Fabiola Salamon, Maria Luisa Scapellato, Ivo Iavicoli. Urinary levels of metal elements in the non-smoking general population in Italy: SIVR study 2012-2015. Toxicology Letters. 2018; 298 ():177-185.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaria Cristina Aprea; Pietro Apostoli; Maurizio Bettinelli; Piero Lovreglio; Sara Negri; Luigi Perbellini; Andrea Perico; Maria Cristina Ricossa; Fabiola Salamon; Maria Luisa Scapellato; Ivo Iavicoli. 2018. "Urinary levels of metal elements in the non-smoking general population in Italy: SIVR study 2012-2015." Toxicology Letters 298, no. : 177-185.
Since 1988, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified radon among the compounds for which there is scientific evidence of carcinogenicity for humans (group 1). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a reference radon level between 100 and 300 Bq/m3 for homes. The objective of this study is to measure the radon concentrations in 401 workplaces, different from the patient rooms, in 28 different buildings of the university hospital in Bari (Apulia region, Southern Italy) to evaluate the exposure of health care workers. Radon environmental sampling is performed over two consecutive six-month periods via the use of passive dosimeters of the CR-39 type. We find an average annual radon concentration expressed as median value of 48.0 Bq/m3 (range 6.5–388.0 Bq/m3) with a significant difference between the two six-month periods (median value: February/July 41.0 Bq/m3 vs. August/January 55.0 Bq/m3). An average concentration of radon lower than the WHO reference level (100 Bq/m3) is detected in 76.1% of monitored environments, while higher than 300 Bq/m3 only in the 0.9%. Most workplaces report radon concentrations within the WHO reference level, therefore, the risk to workers’ health deriving from occupational exposure to radon can be considered to be low. Nevertheless, the goal is to achieve near-zero exposures to protect workers’ health.
Luigi Vimercati; Fulvio Fucilli; Domenica Cavone; Luigi De Maria; Francesco Birtolo; Giovanni Maria Ferri; Leonardo Soleo; Piero Lovreglio. Radon Levels in Indoor Environments of the University Hospital in Bari-Apulia Region Southern Italy. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2018, 15, 694 .
AMA StyleLuigi Vimercati, Fulvio Fucilli, Domenica Cavone, Luigi De Maria, Francesco Birtolo, Giovanni Maria Ferri, Leonardo Soleo, Piero Lovreglio. Radon Levels in Indoor Environments of the University Hospital in Bari-Apulia Region Southern Italy. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2018; 15 (4):694.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLuigi Vimercati; Fulvio Fucilli; Domenica Cavone; Luigi De Maria; Francesco Birtolo; Giovanni Maria Ferri; Leonardo Soleo; Piero Lovreglio. 2018. "Radon Levels in Indoor Environments of the University Hospital in Bari-Apulia Region Southern Italy." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 15, no. 4: 694.
This survey aimed to evaluate the applicability of the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire (NOSQ) as a preliminary screening tool to investigate the presence of contact dermatological disorders in sea fishermen. The Italian version of the NOSQ was administered to 143 male fishermen working at an Apulia (Southern Italy) Fisheries, and 136 male workers who had never worked as sea fishers (controls). A significantly higher rate of frequency of transient itchy wheals on the hands, wrists, and forearms was recorded in the fishermen as compared to the controls (49.6% vs. 8.1%; p < 0.001), while there was no significant difference in the frequency of eczema (8.4% vs. 6.6%). In 46.1% of the fishermen, the onset of transient itchy wheals was associated with contact with specific agents and the most common causes were algae and aquatic plants (49.3%) and seabed sludge (25.3%). In conclusion, the administration of the NOSQ can be useful in preliminary screening for dermatitis in fishermen, although it could show a possible overestimation of the prevalence of transient itchy wheals.
Piero Lovreglio; Rossana Rotondi; Patrizia Chiarappa; Paolo Romita; Ignazio Drago; Fabrizio Guarneri; Antonella Basso; Leonardo Soleo; Caterina Foti. Applicability of the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire for Screening Contact Dermatological Disorders in Sea Fishers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2018, 15, 381 .
AMA StylePiero Lovreglio, Rossana Rotondi, Patrizia Chiarappa, Paolo Romita, Ignazio Drago, Fabrizio Guarneri, Antonella Basso, Leonardo Soleo, Caterina Foti. Applicability of the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire for Screening Contact Dermatological Disorders in Sea Fishers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2018; 15 (2):381.
Chicago/Turabian StylePiero Lovreglio; Rossana Rotondi; Patrizia Chiarappa; Paolo Romita; Ignazio Drago; Fabrizio Guarneri; Antonella Basso; Leonardo Soleo; Caterina Foti. 2018. "Applicability of the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire for Screening Contact Dermatological Disorders in Sea Fishers." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 15, no. 2: 381.
Urinary S-phenylmercapturic acid (SPMA) and benzene (U-Ben) are usually measured at the end of the work shift (ES), although their kinetic of elimination is not clearly known.
Piero Lovreglio; Giuseppe De Palma; Anna Barbieri; Roberta Andreoli; Ignazio Drago; Luciano Greco; Elisabetta Gallo; Laura Diomede; Pietro Scaramuzzo; Maria Cristina Ricossa; Jacopo Fostinelli; Pietro Apostoli; Leonardo Soleo. Biological monitoring of exposure to low concentrations of benzene in workers at a metallurgical coke production plant: new insights into S-phenylmercapturic acid and urinary benzene. Biomarkers 2017, 23, 70 -77.
AMA StylePiero Lovreglio, Giuseppe De Palma, Anna Barbieri, Roberta Andreoli, Ignazio Drago, Luciano Greco, Elisabetta Gallo, Laura Diomede, Pietro Scaramuzzo, Maria Cristina Ricossa, Jacopo Fostinelli, Pietro Apostoli, Leonardo Soleo. Biological monitoring of exposure to low concentrations of benzene in workers at a metallurgical coke production plant: new insights into S-phenylmercapturic acid and urinary benzene. Biomarkers. 2017; 23 (1):70-77.
Chicago/Turabian StylePiero Lovreglio; Giuseppe De Palma; Anna Barbieri; Roberta Andreoli; Ignazio Drago; Luciano Greco; Elisabetta Gallo; Laura Diomede; Pietro Scaramuzzo; Maria Cristina Ricossa; Jacopo Fostinelli; Pietro Apostoli; Leonardo Soleo. 2017. "Biological monitoring of exposure to low concentrations of benzene in workers at a metallurgical coke production plant: new insights into S-phenylmercapturic acid and urinary benzene." Biomarkers 23, no. 1: 70-77.
The contribution of biological and environmental monitoring to the risk assessment of occupational exposure to lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and antimony (Sb) was studied in 18 workers at a birdshot factory (Exposed) and in 18 control workers (Controls) by the determination of both airborne Pb (PbA) and airborne As (AsA) only in the exposed workers and blood Pb (PbB), erythrocytic zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP), urinary Sb (SbU), and the urinary As species in exposed workers and controls. PbA (12-42 μg/m3) and AsA (1-4 μg/m3) were strongly correlated (r = .95). PbB, ZPP, and the sum of As3+As5+MMA were significantly higher in the exposed workers. As3 was higher than the limit of detection in 14 exposed workers and 1 control, As5 only in 1 exposed worker, SbU in all the exposed workers and in 4 controls. Monitoring for more metallic elements reveals a wider spectrum of exposures than can be achieved by lead surveillance alone and is preferable for characterizing occupational risk wherever possible
Piero Lovreglio; Giovanni De Filippis; Brizio Tamborrino; Ignazio Drago; Rossana Rotondi; Annamaria Gallone; Matteo Paganelli; Pietro Apostoli; Leonardo Soleo. Risk due to exposure to metallic elements in a birdshot factory. Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health 2017, 73, 270 -277.
AMA StylePiero Lovreglio, Giovanni De Filippis, Brizio Tamborrino, Ignazio Drago, Rossana Rotondi, Annamaria Gallone, Matteo Paganelli, Pietro Apostoli, Leonardo Soleo. Risk due to exposure to metallic elements in a birdshot factory. Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health. 2017; 73 (5):270-277.
Chicago/Turabian StylePiero Lovreglio; Giovanni De Filippis; Brizio Tamborrino; Ignazio Drago; Rossana Rotondi; Annamaria Gallone; Matteo Paganelli; Pietro Apostoli; Leonardo Soleo. 2017. "Risk due to exposure to metallic elements in a birdshot factory." Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health 73, no. 5: 270-277.
Maria Cristina Aprea; Maria Luisa Scapellato; Maria Carmen Valsania; Andrea Perico; Luigi Perbellini; Maria Cristina Ricossa; Marco Pradella; Sara Negri; Ivo Iavicoli; Piero Lovreglio; Fabiola Salamon; Maurizio Bettinelli; Pietro Apostoli. Methodology to define biological reference values in the environmental and occupational fields: the contribution of the Italian Society for Reference Values (SIVR). La Medicina del lavoro 2017, 108, 138 -148.
AMA StyleMaria Cristina Aprea, Maria Luisa Scapellato, Maria Carmen Valsania, Andrea Perico, Luigi Perbellini, Maria Cristina Ricossa, Marco Pradella, Sara Negri, Ivo Iavicoli, Piero Lovreglio, Fabiola Salamon, Maurizio Bettinelli, Pietro Apostoli. Methodology to define biological reference values in the environmental and occupational fields: the contribution of the Italian Society for Reference Values (SIVR). La Medicina del lavoro. 2017; 108 (2):138-148.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaria Cristina Aprea; Maria Luisa Scapellato; Maria Carmen Valsania; Andrea Perico; Luigi Perbellini; Maria Cristina Ricossa; Marco Pradella; Sara Negri; Ivo Iavicoli; Piero Lovreglio; Fabiola Salamon; Maurizio Bettinelli; Pietro Apostoli. 2017. "Methodology to define biological reference values in the environmental and occupational fields: the contribution of the Italian Society for Reference Values (SIVR)." La Medicina del lavoro 108, no. 2: 138-148.
Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infections are reported with increasing frequency elsewhere in the world, representing a worrying phenomenon for global health. In Italy, there are hotspot data on the diffusion and type of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae and K. pneumoniae in particular, with very few data coming from Apulia and Basilicata, two regions of Southern Italy. This study was aimed at characterizing by phenotypic and genotypic methods carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae isolated from several Hospitals of Apulia and Basilicata, Southern Italy. Antibiotic susceptibility was also evaluated. The relatedness of carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae strains was established by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Among the 150 K. pneumoniae carbapenemase producers, KPC-3 genotype was the most predominant (95%), followed by VIM-1 (5%). No other genotypes were found and no co-presence of two carbapenemase genes was found. A full concordance between results obtained by both the phenotypic and the genotypic tests was observed. All strains were resistant to β-lactam antibiotics including carbapenems, and among antibiotics tested, only tetracycline and gentamycin showed low percentage of resistance (18% and 15%, respectively). Resistance to colistin was detected in 17.3% of strains studied. The analysis of PFGE profiles of the carbapenemases-positive strains shows that one group (B) of the five (A to E) main groups identified was the most prevalent and detected in almost all the hospitals considered, while the other groups were randomly distributed. Three different sequence types (ST 307, ST 258, and ST 512) were detected with the majority of isolates belonging to the ST 512. Our results demonstrated the wide diffusion of K. pneumoniae KPC-3 in the area considered, the good concordance between phenotypic and genotypic tests. Gentamicin and colistin had a good activity against these strains.
Carla Calia; Carlo Pazzani; Marta Oliva; Maria Scrascia; Piero Lovreglio; Carmen Capolongo; Anna Maria Dionisi; Adriana Chiarelli; Rosa Monno. Carbapenemases-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in hospitals of two regions of Southern Italy. APMIS 2017, 125, 491 -498.
AMA StyleCarla Calia, Carlo Pazzani, Marta Oliva, Maria Scrascia, Piero Lovreglio, Carmen Capolongo, Anna Maria Dionisi, Adriana Chiarelli, Rosa Monno. Carbapenemases-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in hospitals of two regions of Southern Italy. APMIS. 2017; 125 (5):491-498.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCarla Calia; Carlo Pazzani; Marta Oliva; Maria Scrascia; Piero Lovreglio; Carmen Capolongo; Anna Maria Dionisi; Adriana Chiarelli; Rosa Monno. 2017. "Carbapenemases-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in hospitals of two regions of Southern Italy." APMIS 125, no. 5: 491-498.