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Dr. Elisa Bustaffa
Italian National Research Council (CNR) - Insitute of Clinical Physiology - Unit of Environmental Epidemiology and Disease Registries

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Review
Published: 09 October 2020 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has quickly become a worldwide health crisis. Although respiratory disease remains the main cause of morbidity and mortality in COVID patients, myocardial damage is a common finding. Many possible biological pathways may explain the relationship between COVID-19 and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Increased immune and inflammatory responses, and procoagulant profile have characterized COVID patients. All these responses may induce endothelial dysfunction, myocardial injury, plaque instability, and AMI. Disease severity and mortality are increased by cardiovascular comorbidities. Moreover, COVID-19 has been associated with air pollution, which may also represent an AMI risk factor. Nonetheless, a significant reduction in patient admissions following containment initiatives has been observed, including for AMI. The reasons for this phenomenon are largely unknown, although a real decrease in the incidence of cardiac events seems highly improbable. Instead, patients likely may present delayed time from symptoms onset and subsequent referral to emergency departments because of fear of possible in-hospital infection, and as such, may present more complications. Here, we aim to discuss available evidence about all these factors in the complex relationship between COVID-19 and AMI, with particular focus on psychological distress and the need to increase awareness of ischemic symptoms.

ACS Style

Francesca Gorini; Kyriazoula Chatzianagnostou; Annamaria Mazzone; Elisa Bustaffa; Augusto Esposito; Sergio Berti; Fabrizio Bianchi; Cristina Vassalle. “Acute Myocardial Infarction in the Time of COVID-19”: A Review of Biological, Environmental, and Psychosocial Contributors. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 7371 .

AMA Style

Francesca Gorini, Kyriazoula Chatzianagnostou, Annamaria Mazzone, Elisa Bustaffa, Augusto Esposito, Sergio Berti, Fabrizio Bianchi, Cristina Vassalle. “Acute Myocardial Infarction in the Time of COVID-19”: A Review of Biological, Environmental, and Psychosocial Contributors. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (20):7371.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Francesca Gorini; Kyriazoula Chatzianagnostou; Annamaria Mazzone; Elisa Bustaffa; Augusto Esposito; Sergio Berti; Fabrizio Bianchi; Cristina Vassalle. 2020. "“Acute Myocardial Infarction in the Time of COVID-19”: A Review of Biological, Environmental, and Psychosocial Contributors." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 20: 7371.

Journal article
Published: 20 July 2020 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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Chronic arsenic (As) exposure is a critical public health issue. The As metabolism can be influenced by many factors. The objective of this study is to verify if these factors influence As metabolism in four Italian areas affected by As pollution. Descriptive analyses were conducted on 271 subjects aged 20–49 in order to assess the effect of each factor considered on As methylation. Percentages of metabolites of As in urine, primary and secondary methylation indexes were calculated as indicators for metabolic capacity. The results indicate that women have a better methylation capacity (MC) than men, and drinking As-contaminated water from public aqueducts is associated with poorer MC, especially in areas with natural As pollution. In areas with anthropogenic As pollution occupational exposure is associated with a higher MC while smoking with a poorer MC. Dietary habits and genetic characteristics are probably implicated in As metabolism. BMI, alcohol consumption and polymorphism of the AS3MT gene seem not to influence As MC. Arsenic metabolism may be affected by various factors and in order to achieve a comprehensive risk assessment of As-associated disease, it is crucial to understand how these factors contribute to differences in As metabolism.

ACS Style

Elisa Bustaffa; Francesca Gorini; Fabrizio Bianchi; Fabrizio Minichilli. Factors Affecting Arsenic Methylation in Contaminated Italian Areas. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 5226 .

AMA Style

Elisa Bustaffa, Francesca Gorini, Fabrizio Bianchi, Fabrizio Minichilli. Factors Affecting Arsenic Methylation in Contaminated Italian Areas. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (14):5226.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Elisa Bustaffa; Francesca Gorini; Fabrizio Bianchi; Fabrizio Minichilli. 2020. "Factors Affecting Arsenic Methylation in Contaminated Italian Areas." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 14: 5226.

Epidemiology
Published: 10 May 2020 in BMJ Open
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IntroductionEnvironmental pollution has been progressively becoming one of the main risk factors to human diseases. In particular, populations living in high-contaminated sites are particularly exposed to environmental toxicants, with consequent increased risks to human health. In Italy, there are currently ongoing three epidemiological etiological studies aimed at evaluating the association between exposure to inorganic and organic chemicals and presence of biological markers of early effects in population living in three National Priority Contaminated Sites (NPCSs). Specifically, the correlations concern preclinical indicators of liver disease in Priolo NPCS, thyroid diseases in Milazzo-Valle del Mela NPCS and cardiovascular risk and kidney damage in Crotone NPCS.Methods and analysisOverall, approximately 1300 subjects of both sexes will be enrolled in the three NPCSs according to specific inclusion criteria. For each subject, serum and urine specimens are collected, on which the determination of biological markers of exposure and early effects for the selected outcomes are performed. Individual information on environmental and occupational exposure, medical history, diet and life habits is obtained through questionnaires provided by web platform. In Milazzo-Valle del Mela and Crotone NPCSs, not invasive instrumental and imaging examinations are performed in order to evaluate further risk factors of thyroid carcinoma and cardiovascular disease, respectively.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol studies have been approved by the Ethics Committees responsible for the three involved NPCSs: the Ethics Committee ‘Catania 2’ for the NPCS of Priolo (21 July 2017, n. 500/2017/CECT2), the Ethics Committee of the University Hospitals of Messina for the NPCS of Milazzo-Valle del Mela (19 February 2018, n.2/2018); the Ethics Committee of the Region of Calabria for the NPCS of Crotone (20 July 2017, n. 174). Results will be disseminated among policy-makers, citizens, stakeholders and scientific community through the organisation of conferences and events, and the publication on international peer/reviewed journals.

ACS Style

Francesca Gorini; Elisa Bustaffa; Davide Bolignano; Liliana Cori; Francesco Faita; Amalia Gastaldelli; Monica Interdonato; Fabizio Minichilli; Giancarlo Quattrone; Francesco Squadrito; Giovanni Tripepi; Cristina Vassalle; Fabrizio Bianchi. Biomarkers of exposure and early effect in three contaminated sites of southern Italy: protocols for etiological epidemiological studies. BMJ Open 2020, 10, e036160 .

AMA Style

Francesca Gorini, Elisa Bustaffa, Davide Bolignano, Liliana Cori, Francesco Faita, Amalia Gastaldelli, Monica Interdonato, Fabizio Minichilli, Giancarlo Quattrone, Francesco Squadrito, Giovanni Tripepi, Cristina Vassalle, Fabrizio Bianchi. Biomarkers of exposure and early effect in three contaminated sites of southern Italy: protocols for etiological epidemiological studies. BMJ Open. 2020; 10 (5):e036160.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Francesca Gorini; Elisa Bustaffa; Davide Bolignano; Liliana Cori; Francesco Faita; Amalia Gastaldelli; Monica Interdonato; Fabizio Minichilli; Giancarlo Quattrone; Francesco Squadrito; Giovanni Tripepi; Cristina Vassalle; Fabrizio Bianchi. 2020. "Biomarkers of exposure and early effect in three contaminated sites of southern Italy: protocols for etiological epidemiological studies." BMJ Open 10, no. 5: e036160.

Review
Published: 13 April 2020 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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Bisphenols (BPs), and especially bisphenol A (BPA), are known endocrine disruptors (EDCs), capable of interfering with estrogen and androgen activities, as well as being suspected of other health outcomes. Given the crucial role of thyroid hormones and the increasing incidence of thyroid carcinoma in the last few decades, this review analyzes the effects of BPS on the thyroid, considering original research in vitro, in vivo, and in humans published from January 2000 to October 2019. Both in vitro and in vivo studies reported the ability of BPs to disrupt thyroid function through multiple mechanisms. The antagonism with thyroid receptors (TRs), which affects TR-mediated transcriptional activity, the direct action of BPs on gene expression at the thyroid and the pituitary level, the competitive binding with thyroid transport proteins, and the induction of toxicity in several cell lines are likely the main mechanisms leading to thyroid dysfunction. In humans, results are more contradictory, though some evidence suggests the potential of BPs in increasing the risk of thyroid nodules. A standardized methodology in toxicological studies and prospective epidemiological studies with individual exposure assessments are warranted to evaluate the pathophysiology resulting in the damage and to establish the temporal relationship between markers of exposure and long-term effects.

ACS Style

Francesca Gorini; Elisa Bustaffa; Alessio Coi; Giorgio Iervasi; Fabrizio Bianchi. Bisphenols as Environmental Triggers of Thyroid Dysfunction: Clues and Evidence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 2654 .

AMA Style

Francesca Gorini, Elisa Bustaffa, Alessio Coi, Giorgio Iervasi, Fabrizio Bianchi. Bisphenols as Environmental Triggers of Thyroid Dysfunction: Clues and Evidence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (8):2654.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Francesca Gorini; Elisa Bustaffa; Alessio Coi; Giorgio Iervasi; Fabrizio Bianchi. 2020. "Bisphenols as Environmental Triggers of Thyroid Dysfunction: Clues and Evidence." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 8: 2654.

Review
Published: 10 December 2019 in Science of The Total Environment
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Since the 1990s, in areas with natural geothermal manifestations studies on the association between exposure to pollutants and health effect have become increasingly relevant. These emissions consist of water vapor mixed with carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), methane and, to a lesser extent, rare gases and trace elements in volatile forms. Considering the indications of the World Health Organization and the growth in the use of geothermal energy for energy production, this review aims to report studies exploring the health status of the populations living in areas where geothermal energy is used to produce heat and electricity. Studies on the health effects of the general population exposed to emissions from both natural geothermal events and plants using geothermal energy at domestic or commercial level have been considered between 1999 and 2019. Studies were classified into those based on health indicators and those based on proxy-individual level exposure metrics. Both statistically significant results (p<0.05) and interesting signals were commented. The 19 studies selected (New Zealand, Iceland and Italy) provide heterogeneous results, with an increased risk for several tumor sites. Exposure to H2S low concentrations is positively associated with an increment of respiratory symptoms, anti-asthma drugs use, mortality for respiratory diseases and lung cancer. Exposure to H2S high levels is inversely related to cancer mortality but associated with an increase in hospitalization for respiratory diseases, central nervous system disorders and cardiovascular diseases. The results indicate that the health of populations residing in areas rich in geothermal emissions presents some critical elements to be explored. The two major limitations of the studies are the ecological design and the inadequate exposure assessment. The authors suggested the prosecution and the systematization of health surveillance and human biomonitoring activities associated with permanent control of atmospheric emissions from both industrial and natural plants.

ACS Style

Elisa Bustaffa; Liliana Cori; Adele Manzella; Daniela Nuvolone; Fabrizio Minichilli; Fabrizio Bianchi; Francesca Gorini. The health of communities living in proximity of geothermal plants generating heat and electricity: A review. Science of The Total Environment 2019, 706, 135998 .

AMA Style

Elisa Bustaffa, Liliana Cori, Adele Manzella, Daniela Nuvolone, Fabrizio Minichilli, Fabrizio Bianchi, Francesca Gorini. The health of communities living in proximity of geothermal plants generating heat and electricity: A review. Science of The Total Environment. 2019; 706 ():135998.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Elisa Bustaffa; Liliana Cori; Adele Manzella; Daniela Nuvolone; Fabrizio Minichilli; Fabrizio Bianchi; Francesca Gorini. 2019. "The health of communities living in proximity of geothermal plants generating heat and electricity: A review." Science of The Total Environment 706, no. : 135998.

Journal article
Published: 03 August 2019 in Science of The Total Environment
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Coal-fired thermal power plants represent a significant source of air pollutants, especially sulfur dioxide (SO2) that has been associated with an increased risk of mortality and morbidity for respiratory and cardiovascular disease. A coal power plant in Vado Ligure (Italy) (CPPVL) started in 1970 was stopped in 2014 by the Prosecutor's Office on the grounds of environmental and health culpable disaster. To investigate the association between the exposure of residents to atmospheric pollutants emitted by CPPVL and the risk of mortality and hospitalization, considering both cancer and non-cancer causes in a population-based cohort study. SO2 and nitrogen oxides (NOx), estimated using the ABLE-MOLOCH-ADMS-Urban dispersion model, were selected as representative surrogates of exposure to CPPVL emissions (SO2-CPPVL) and cumulative emissions from other sources of pollution (NOx-MS), respectively. The relationship between each health outcome and categories of exposure to SO2-CPPVL was estimated by the Hazard Ratio (HR) using multiple sex-specific Cox regression models, adjusted for age, exposure to NOx-MS, and socio-economic deprivation index using SO2-CPPVL first quartile as a reference. 144,019 individuals were recruited (follow-up 2001–2013). An excess of mortality was found for all natural causes (men: 1.49; 95% CI 1.38–1.60; women: 1.49; 95% CI 1.39–1.59), diseases of the circulatory system (men: 1.41; 95% CI 1.24–1.56; women: 1.59; 95% CI 1.44–1.77), of the respiratory system (men: 1.90; 95% CI 1.47–2.45; women: 1.62; 95% CI 1.25–2.09), and of the nervous system and sense organs (men: 1.34; 95% CI 0.97–1.86; women: 1.38; 95% CI 1.03–1.83), and in men for trachea, bronchus, and lung cancers (1.59; 95% CI 1.26–2.00). Results of hospitalization analysis were consistent with those of mortality. Results obtained, also when considering multiple sources of exposure, indicate that exposure to CPP emissions represents a risk factor for selected health outcomes as well as the urgently adoption of primary prevention measures and of a specific surveillance programme.

ACS Style

Fabrizio Minichilli; Francesca Gorini; Elisa Bustaffa; Liliana Cori; Fabrizio Bianchi. Mortality and hospitalization associated to emissions of a coal power plant: A population-based cohort study. Science of The Total Environment 2019, 694, 133757 .

AMA Style

Fabrizio Minichilli, Francesca Gorini, Elisa Bustaffa, Liliana Cori, Fabrizio Bianchi. Mortality and hospitalization associated to emissions of a coal power plant: A population-based cohort study. Science of The Total Environment. 2019; 694 ():133757.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Fabrizio Minichilli; Francesca Gorini; Elisa Bustaffa; Liliana Cori; Fabrizio Bianchi. 2019. "Mortality and hospitalization associated to emissions of a coal power plant: A population-based cohort study." Science of The Total Environment 694, no. : 133757.

Journal article
Published: 25 November 2018 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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Exposure to air pollution has been shown to increase the risk of developing chronic respiratory diseases. The largest crude oil first treatment plant in Italy emits harmful polluting substances. This cross-sectional study assesses the occurrence of respiratory symptoms in a sample of the adult population living near the plant. A proximal and a reference area were defined in order to recruit 200 subjects. Each subject performed a spirometry test and completed a questionnaire. Associations between the distance from the plant and selected respiratory outcomes were assessed (distance-based approach). The prevalence of outcomes between a proximal and a reference area (area-based approach) were also compared. Odds ratios were adjusted for potential confounders. Living near the plant was associated with a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms, with significant associations for severe dyspnoea equivalent to the halving of risk as the distance of residence from the plant increased by 1 km (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.48, confidence interval at the 95% probability level (95% CI): 0.25–0.92). Several signals emerged for respiratory allergic symptoms. The area-based approach generally confirmed the results obtained with the distance-based approach. This is the first study to be carried out on a crude oil first treatment plant aimed at assessing the association with the occurrence of respiratory symptoms. These findings contribute to the evidence supporting the need for a space–time surveillance system in the investigated area.

ACS Style

Elisa Bustaffa; Alessio Coi; Fabrizio Minichilli; Michele Santoro; Renato Prediletto; Simonetta Monti; Ivana Pavlickova; Fabrizio Bianchi. Respiratory Symptoms in Relation to Living near a Crude Oil First Treatment Plant in Italy: A Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2018, 15, 2636 .

AMA Style

Elisa Bustaffa, Alessio Coi, Fabrizio Minichilli, Michele Santoro, Renato Prediletto, Simonetta Monti, Ivana Pavlickova, Fabrizio Bianchi. Respiratory Symptoms in Relation to Living near a Crude Oil First Treatment Plant in Italy: A Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2018; 15 (12):2636.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Elisa Bustaffa; Alessio Coi; Fabrizio Minichilli; Michele Santoro; Renato Prediletto; Simonetta Monti; Ivana Pavlickova; Fabrizio Bianchi. 2018. "Respiratory Symptoms in Relation to Living near a Crude Oil First Treatment Plant in Italy: A Cross-Sectional Study." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 15, no. 12: 2636.

Journal article
Published: 30 October 2018
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ACS Style

Liliana Cori; Fabrizio Minichilli; Elisa Bustaffa; Alessio Coi; Francesca Gorini. [Media and the communication of research: the Val d'Agri case (Southern Italy)]. 2018, 42, 356 -363.

AMA Style

Liliana Cori, Fabrizio Minichilli, Elisa Bustaffa, Alessio Coi, Francesca Gorini. [Media and the communication of research: the Val d'Agri case (Southern Italy)]. . 2018; 42 ():356-363.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Liliana Cori; Fabrizio Minichilli; Elisa Bustaffa; Alessio Coi; Francesca Gorini. 2018. "[Media and the communication of research: the Val d'Agri case (Southern Italy)]." 42, no. : 356-363.

Journal article
Published: 07 March 2018 in Epidemiol Prev
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ACS Style

Fabrizio Minichilli; Fabrizio Bianchi; Carla Ancona; Marco Cervino; Gianluigi De Gennaro; Cristina Mangia; Michele Santoro; Elisa Bustaffa; Gruppo Di Lavoro. [Residential cohort study on mortality and hospitalization in Viggiano and Grumento Nova Municipalities in the framework of HIA in Val d'Agri (Basilicata Region, Southern Italy)]. Epidemiol Prev 2018, 42, 20 -33.

AMA Style

Fabrizio Minichilli, Fabrizio Bianchi, Carla Ancona, Marco Cervino, Gianluigi De Gennaro, Cristina Mangia, Michele Santoro, Elisa Bustaffa, Gruppo Di Lavoro. [Residential cohort study on mortality and hospitalization in Viggiano and Grumento Nova Municipalities in the framework of HIA in Val d'Agri (Basilicata Region, Southern Italy)]. Epidemiol Prev. 2018; 42 (1):20-33.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Fabrizio Minichilli; Fabrizio Bianchi; Carla Ancona; Marco Cervino; Gianluigi De Gennaro; Cristina Mangia; Michele Santoro; Elisa Bustaffa; Gruppo Di Lavoro. 2018. "[Residential cohort study on mortality and hospitalization in Viggiano and Grumento Nova Municipalities in the framework of HIA in Val d'Agri (Basilicata Region, Southern Italy)]." Epidemiol Prev 42, no. 1: 20-33.

News
Published: 07 March 2018 in Epidemiol Prev
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ACS Style

Nunzia Linzalone; Fabrizio Bianchi; Marco Cervino; Liliana Cori; Gianluigi De Gennaro; Cristina Mangia; Elisa Bustaffa; Gruppo Di Lavoro. [Recommendations from a health impact assessment in Viggiano and Grumento Nova (Basilicata Region, Southern Italy)]. Epidemiol Prev 2018, 42, 15 -19.

AMA Style

Nunzia Linzalone, Fabrizio Bianchi, Marco Cervino, Liliana Cori, Gianluigi De Gennaro, Cristina Mangia, Elisa Bustaffa, Gruppo Di Lavoro. [Recommendations from a health impact assessment in Viggiano and Grumento Nova (Basilicata Region, Southern Italy)]. Epidemiol Prev. 2018; 42 (1):15-19.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nunzia Linzalone; Fabrizio Bianchi; Marco Cervino; Liliana Cori; Gianluigi De Gennaro; Cristina Mangia; Elisa Bustaffa; Gruppo Di Lavoro. 2018. "[Recommendations from a health impact assessment in Viggiano and Grumento Nova (Basilicata Region, Southern Italy)]." Epidemiol Prev 42, no. 1: 15-19.

Journal article
Published: 09 February 2018 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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Arsenic is ubiquitous and has a potentially adverse impact on human health. We compared the distribution of concentrations of urinary inorganic arsenic plus methylated forms (uc(iAs+MMA+DMA)) in four Italian areas with other international studies, and we assessed the relationship between uc(iAs+MMA+DMA) and various exposure factors. We conducted a human biomonitoring study on 271 subjects (132 men) aged 20–44, randomly sampled and stratified by area, gender, and age. Data on environmental and occupational exposure and dietary habits were collected through a questionnaire. Arsenic was speciated using chromatographic separation and inductively coupled mass spectrometry. Associations between uc(iAs+MMA+DMA) and exposure factors were evaluated using the geometric mean ratio (GMR) with a 90% confidence interval by stepwise multiple regression analysis. The 95th percentile value of uc(iAs+MMA+DMA) for the whole sample (86.28 µg/L) was higher than other national studies worldwide. A statistical significant correlation was found between uc(iAs+MMA+DMA) and occupational exposure (GMR: 2.68 [1.79–4.00]), GSTT gene (GMR: 0.68 [0.52–0.80]), consumption of tap water (GMR: 1.35 [1.02–1.77]), seafood (GMR: 1.44 [1.11–1.88]), whole milk (GMR: 1.34 [1.04–1.73]), and fruit/vegetables (GMR: 1.37 [1.03–1.82]). This study demonstrated the utility of uc(iAs+MMA+DMA) as a biomarker to assess environmental exposure. In a public health context, this information could be used to support remedial action, to prevent individuals from being further exposed to environmental arsenic sources.

ACS Style

Fabrizio Minichilli; Fabrizio Bianchi; Anna Maria Ronchi; Francesca Gorini; Elisa Bustaffa. Urinary Arsenic in Human Samples from Areas Characterized by Natural or Anthropogenic Pollution in Italy. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2018, 15, 299 .

AMA Style

Fabrizio Minichilli, Fabrizio Bianchi, Anna Maria Ronchi, Francesca Gorini, Elisa Bustaffa. Urinary Arsenic in Human Samples from Areas Characterized by Natural or Anthropogenic Pollution in Italy. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2018; 15 (2):299.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Fabrizio Minichilli; Fabrizio Bianchi; Anna Maria Ronchi; Francesca Gorini; Elisa Bustaffa. 2018. "Urinary Arsenic in Human Samples from Areas Characterized by Natural or Anthropogenic Pollution in Italy." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 15, no. 2: 299.

Journal article
Published: 16 June 2017 in Annali dell'Istituto Superiore di Sanità
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ACS Style

Elisa Bustaffa; Fabrizio Minichilli; Daniela Nuvolone; Fabio Voller; Francesco Cipriani; Fabrizio Bianchi. Mortality of populations residing in geothermal areas of Tuscany during the period 2003-2012. Annali dell'Istituto Superiore di Sanità 2017, 53, 108 -117.

AMA Style

Elisa Bustaffa, Fabrizio Minichilli, Daniela Nuvolone, Fabio Voller, Francesco Cipriani, Fabrizio Bianchi. Mortality of populations residing in geothermal areas of Tuscany during the period 2003-2012. Annali dell'Istituto Superiore di Sanità. 2017; 53 (2):108-117.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Elisa Bustaffa; Fabrizio Minichilli; Daniela Nuvolone; Fabio Voller; Francesco Cipriani; Fabrizio Bianchi. 2017. "Mortality of populations residing in geothermal areas of Tuscany during the period 2003-2012." Annali dell'Istituto Superiore di Sanità 53, no. 2: 108-117.

Review
Published: 01 October 2016 in Epidemiol Prev
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La continua espansione delle attività di perforazione ai fini dell'estrazione petrolifera in prossimità di aree abitate ha fatto sì che negli ultimi anni l'attenzione si focalizzasse sull'impatto di questo processo fortemente industrializzato sulla salute pubblica. Le comunità che vivono nei dintorni di impianti di questo tipo devono, infatti, fronteggiare diversi problemi, quali l'inquinamento atmosferico e acustico, la contaminazione del suolo e delle acque sotterranee, il traffico dei camion da e verso il sito, incidenti e malfunzionamenti all'interno dell'impianto. In questo contesto, la valutazione del rischio per la salute è ostacolata dal fatto che l'esposizione alle sostanze chimiche presenti non può essere valutata in via definitiva, poiché non sempre si è a conoscenza di tutti i composti immessi nell'ambiente né delle loro concentrazioni, per non parlare del problema delle coesposizioni ad altri inquinanti. Nonostante l'oramai conclamato e vasto interesse generato da questo argomento, ad oggi esistono pochi studi basati su popolazioni riguardanti gli effetti sulla salute delle comunità che vivono in prossimità dei siti di perforazione ed estrazione; ciò genera la necessità di condurre campagne di monitoraggio mirate e studi epidemiologici che verifichino l'eventuale esistenza e natura di pattern di malattie associati a tali attività. La presente rassegna bibliografica individua, quindi, i principali inquinanti atmosferici presenti in prossimità di un impianto di primo trattamento del greggio e cerca di fornire un quadro generale delle loro potenziali sorgenti e caratteristiche.

ACS Style

Elisa Bustaffa; Annamaria De Marinis Loiotile; Genoveffa Farella; Stefania Petraccone; Gianluigi De Gennaro; Fabrizio Bianchi. Idrocarburi non metanici nell’atmosfera in prossimità di impianti di primo trattamento del greggio. Epidemiol Prev 2016, 40, 290 -306.

AMA Style

Elisa Bustaffa, Annamaria De Marinis Loiotile, Genoveffa Farella, Stefania Petraccone, Gianluigi De Gennaro, Fabrizio Bianchi. Idrocarburi non metanici nell’atmosfera in prossimità di impianti di primo trattamento del greggio. Epidemiol Prev. 2016; 40 (5):290-306.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Elisa Bustaffa; Annamaria De Marinis Loiotile; Genoveffa Farella; Stefania Petraccone; Gianluigi De Gennaro; Fabrizio Bianchi. 2016. "Idrocarburi non metanici nell’atmosfera in prossimità di impianti di primo trattamento del greggio." Epidemiol Prev 40, no. 5: 290-306.

Journal article
Published: 27 July 2016 in Environment International
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A human biomonitoring (HBM) survey in four areas affected by natural or anthropogenic arsenic pollution was conducted in Italy within the framework of the SEpiAs project. A questionnaire, including the exploration of risk perception (RP) regarding environmental hazards and access to and trust in information, was administered to 282 subjects stratified by area, gender and age. The survey was designed to investigate how populations living in polluted areas could adopt prevention-oriented habits, fostered by the awareness of existing risks and, in addition, how increased knowledge of RP and information flows could support researchers in identifying recommendations, and presenting and disseminating HBM results. This study characterizes the four areas in terms of RP and access to and trust in environmental information, and provides insights into the influence of RP and environmental information on food consumption. For the data analysis, a combined random forest (RF) and logistic regression approach was carried out. RF was applied to the variables derived from the questionnaire in order to identify the most important in terms of the aims defined. Associations were then tested using Fisher's exact test and assessed with logistic regression in order to adjust for confounders. Results showed that the perception of and personal exposure to atmospheric and water pollution, hazardous industries and waste, hazardous material transportation and waste was higher in geographical areas characterized by anthropogenic pollution. Citizens living in industrial areas appeared to be aware of environmental risks and had more confidence in environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs) than in public authorities. In addition, they reported an insufficient circulation of information. Concerning the influence of RP and environmental information on food consumption, a high perception of personal exposure to atmospheric pollution and hazardous industries was associated with a lower consumption of local fish. In conclusion, different RPs and information flow patterns were observed in areas with arsenic of natural origin or in industrial contexts. These findings may be useful for targeted risk communication plans in support of risk-management strategies.

ACS Style

A. Coi; F. Minichilli; E. Bustaffa; S. Carone; M. Santoro; F. Bianchi; L. Cori. Risk perception and access to environmental information in four areas in Italy affected by natural or anthropogenic pollution. Environment International 2016, 95, 8 -15.

AMA Style

A. Coi, F. Minichilli, E. Bustaffa, S. Carone, M. Santoro, F. Bianchi, L. Cori. Risk perception and access to environmental information in four areas in Italy affected by natural or anthropogenic pollution. Environment International. 2016; 95 ():8-15.

Chicago/Turabian Style

A. Coi; F. Minichilli; E. Bustaffa; S. Carone; M. Santoro; F. Bianchi; L. Cori. 2016. "Risk perception and access to environmental information in four areas in Italy affected by natural or anthropogenic pollution." Environment International 95, no. : 8-15.

Journal article
Published: 23 July 2016 in Environmental Science and Pollution Research
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Exposure to arsenic (As) increases cardiovascular risk. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between As and intima-media thickness (IMT) in the common carotid artery and common genetic variants in genes implicated in As metabolism (ASIIIMT Met287Thr, GSTT1+/-, and GSTM1+/-) and DNA repair (hOGG1 Ser326Cys and XRCC1 Arg399Ser). Two hundred and fourteen healthy volunteers, age 20-46, were recruited in four zones polluted by As. Urine samples were tested for total As, inorganic As (iAs), monomethylarsinic (MMA), and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA). Primary and secondary methylation index (PMI, SMI) were computed as MMA/iAs and DMA/MMA. Common carotid artery scans were obtained by high-resolution ultrasound. There was no correlation between IMT and total As, iAs, iAs + MMA + DMA, PMI, or SMI. However, the increase of IMT with age was higher than that observed in the healthy population, both in males (6.25 vs. 5.20 μm/year) and, to a lesser extent, in females (5.05 vs. 4.97 μm/year). After correction for age and gender, subjects with a high urinary As level (≥3.86 μg/L) and carriers of the GSTT1-positive (+) genotype also had higher IMT than those with a low urinary level and the GSTT1-null (-) genotype (0.56 [0.48-0.64] vs. 0.53 [0.44-0.62] mm, p = 0.010). The analysis hints at faster vascular aging as compared to the healthy population. Our findings also suggested that GSTT1 and hOGG1 gene polymorphisms might play an important role in the individual risk of As-induced carotid atherosclerosis.

ACS Style

Francesco Stea; Francesco Faita; Andrea Borghini; Francesca Faita; Fabrizio Bianchi; Elisa Bustaffa; Fabrizio Minichilli; Maria Grazia Andreassi; Rosa Sicari. Arsenic and subclinical vascular damage in a sample of Italian young adults: a cross-sectional analysis. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 2016, 23, 20307 -20314.

AMA Style

Francesco Stea, Francesco Faita, Andrea Borghini, Francesca Faita, Fabrizio Bianchi, Elisa Bustaffa, Fabrizio Minichilli, Maria Grazia Andreassi, Rosa Sicari. Arsenic and subclinical vascular damage in a sample of Italian young adults: a cross-sectional analysis. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2016; 23 (20):20307-20314.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Francesco Stea; Francesco Faita; Andrea Borghini; Francesca Faita; Fabrizio Bianchi; Elisa Bustaffa; Fabrizio Minichilli; Maria Grazia Andreassi; Rosa Sicari. 2016. "Arsenic and subclinical vascular damage in a sample of Italian young adults: a cross-sectional analysis." Environmental Science and Pollution Research 23, no. 20: 20307-20314.

Journal article
Published: 15 April 2016 in Mutagenesis
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Arsenic-induced health effects may be associated with critically shortened telomeres. However, few data are available on the effects of arsenic exposure on telomere length. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic arsenic exposure on leukocyte telomere length (LTL) as well as the contribution of common polymorphisms in genes implicated in arsenic metabolism (GSTT1 and GSTM1) and DNA repair (hOGG1 and XRCC1). A group of 241 healthy subjects was enrolled from four areas of Italy known to be affected by natural or anthropogenic arsenic pollution. Urine samples were tested for inorganic As (iAs), monomethylarsinic (MMA) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA). LTL was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Genotyping was carried out by PCR-RFLP on leukocyte DNA. In multiple linear regression analysis, LTL was significantly and inversely correlated with age (β = −0.231, P = 0.006) and showed a certain trend toward significance with iAs urinary concentration (log 10 iAs, β = −0.106, P = 0.08). The genotype distribution showed significant associations between GSTT1 and the As concentration (log 10 iAs, P = 0.01) and metabolite patterns (log 10 DMA, P = 0.05) in the urine. However, GST genes did not interact with arsenic exposure in the modulation of LTL. Conversely, the combined presence of a higher level of iAs + MMA + DMA ≥ 19.3 μg/l ( F = 6.0, Pinteraction = 0.01), Asi ≥ 3.86 ( F = 3.9, Pinteraction = 0.04) μg/l, iAs + MMA + DMA ≥ 15 μg/l ( F = 4.2, Pinteraction = 0.04) and hOGG1 Cys allele was associated with a significantly lower LTL. An interaction between XRCC1 Arg399Gln and arsenic exposure was also observed (all Pinteraction = 0.04). These findings suggest that telomere shortening may represent a mechanism that contributes to arsenic-related disease. The interaction of hOGG1 and XRCC1 DNA repair polymorphisms and exposure enhances telomeric DNA damage. Future studies are warranted to understand better the epidemiologic impact of arsenic on telomere function as well as to identify the subgroups of exposed subjects who need better health surveillance.

ACS Style

Andrea Borghini; Francesca Faita; Antonella Mercuri; Fabrizio Minichilli; Elisa Bustaffa; Fabrizio Bianchi; Maria Grazia Andreassi. Arsenic exposure, genetic susceptibility and leukocyte telomere length in an Italian young adult population. Mutagenesis 2016, 31, 539 -546.

AMA Style

Andrea Borghini, Francesca Faita, Antonella Mercuri, Fabrizio Minichilli, Elisa Bustaffa, Fabrizio Bianchi, Maria Grazia Andreassi. Arsenic exposure, genetic susceptibility and leukocyte telomere length in an Italian young adult population. Mutagenesis. 2016; 31 (5):539-546.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Andrea Borghini; Francesca Faita; Antonella Mercuri; Fabrizio Minichilli; Elisa Bustaffa; Fabrizio Bianchi; Maria Grazia Andreassi. 2016. "Arsenic exposure, genetic susceptibility and leukocyte telomere length in an Italian young adult population." Mutagenesis 31, no. 5: 539-546.

Journal article
Published: 13 November 2014 in Epidemiol Prev
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Elisa Bustaffa; Fabrizio Minichilli; Fabrizio Bianchi. [Arsenic in drinking water: some considerations of the authors of the SEpiAs Project]. Epidemiol Prev 2014, 38, 281 -2.

AMA Style

Elisa Bustaffa, Fabrizio Minichilli, Fabrizio Bianchi. [Arsenic in drinking water: some considerations of the authors of the SEpiAs Project]. Epidemiol Prev. 2014; 38 (5):281-2.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Elisa Bustaffa; Fabrizio Minichilli; Fabrizio Bianchi. 2014. "[Arsenic in drinking water: some considerations of the authors of the SEpiAs Project]." Epidemiol Prev 38, no. 5: 281-2.

Journal article
Published: 14 August 2014 in Epidemiol Prev
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ACS Style

Elisa Bustaffa; Fabrizio Minichilli; Maria Grazia Andreassi; Simona Carone; Alessio Coi; Liliana Cori; Francesca Faita; Francesco Faita; Sabina Grecchi; Claudio Minoia; Anna Ronchi; Ivana Scovassi; Rosa Sicari; Francesco Stea; Fabrizio Bianchi. [Studies on markers of exposure and early effect in areas with arsenic pollution: methods and results of the project SEpiAs. Epidemiological surveillance in areas with environmental pollution by natural or anthropogenic arsenic]. Epidemiol Prev 2014, 38, 1 .

AMA Style

Elisa Bustaffa, Fabrizio Minichilli, Maria Grazia Andreassi, Simona Carone, Alessio Coi, Liliana Cori, Francesca Faita, Francesco Faita, Sabina Grecchi, Claudio Minoia, Anna Ronchi, Ivana Scovassi, Rosa Sicari, Francesco Stea, Fabrizio Bianchi. [Studies on markers of exposure and early effect in areas with arsenic pollution: methods and results of the project SEpiAs. Epidemiological surveillance in areas with environmental pollution by natural or anthropogenic arsenic]. Epidemiol Prev. 2014; 38 (3):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Elisa Bustaffa; Fabrizio Minichilli; Maria Grazia Andreassi; Simona Carone; Alessio Coi; Liliana Cori; Francesca Faita; Francesco Faita; Sabina Grecchi; Claudio Minoia; Anna Ronchi; Ivana Scovassi; Rosa Sicari; Francesco Stea; Fabrizio Bianchi. 2014. "[Studies on markers of exposure and early effect in areas with arsenic pollution: methods and results of the project SEpiAs. Epidemiological surveillance in areas with environmental pollution by natural or anthropogenic arsenic]." Epidemiol Prev 38, no. 3: 1.

English abstract
Published: 14 August 2014 in Epidemiol Prev
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ACS Style

Elisa Bustaffa; Fabrizio Bianchi. [Studies on markers of exposure and early effect in areas with arsenic pollution: methods and results of the project SEpiAs. Epidemiological studies on population exposed to low-to-moderate arsenic concentration in drinking water]. Epidemiol Prev 2014, 38, 1 .

AMA Style

Elisa Bustaffa, Fabrizio Bianchi. [Studies on markers of exposure and early effect in areas with arsenic pollution: methods and results of the project SEpiAs. Epidemiological studies on population exposed to low-to-moderate arsenic concentration in drinking water]. Epidemiol Prev. 2014; 38 (3):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Elisa Bustaffa; Fabrizio Bianchi. 2014. "[Studies on markers of exposure and early effect in areas with arsenic pollution: methods and results of the project SEpiAs. Epidemiological studies on population exposed to low-to-moderate arsenic concentration in drinking water]." Epidemiol Prev 38, no. 3: 1.

Review
Published: 02 April 2014 in Archives of Toxicology
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Arsenic is a human carcinogen with weak mutagenic properties that induces tumors through mechanisms not yet completely understood. People worldwide are exposed to arsenic-contaminated drinking water, and epidemiological studies showed a high percentage of lung, bladder, liver, and kidney cancer in these populations. Several mechanisms by which arsenical compounds induce tumorigenesis were proposed including genotoxic damage and chromosomal abnormalities. Over the past decade, a growing body of evidence indicated that epigenetic modifications have a role in arsenic-inducing adverse effects on human health. The main epigenetic mechanisms are DNA methylation in gene promoter regions that regulate gene expression, histone tail modifications that regulate the accessibility of transcriptional machinery to genes, and microRNA activity (noncoding RNA able to modulate mRNA translation). The “double capacity” of arsenic to induce mutations and epimutations could be the main cause of arsenic-induced carcinogenesis. The aim of this review is to better clarify the mechanisms of the initiation and/or the promotion of arsenic-induced carcinogenesis in order to understand the best way to perform an early diagnosis and a prompt prevention that is the key point for protecting arsenic-exposed population. Studies on arsenic-exposed population should be designed in order to examine more comprehensively the presence and consequences of these genetic/epigenetic alterations.

ACS Style

Elisa Bustaffa; Andrea Stoccoro; Fabrizio Bianchi; Lucia Migliore. Genotoxic and epigenetic mechanisms in arsenic carcinogenicity. Archives of Toxicology 2014, 88, 1043 -1067.

AMA Style

Elisa Bustaffa, Andrea Stoccoro, Fabrizio Bianchi, Lucia Migliore. Genotoxic and epigenetic mechanisms in arsenic carcinogenicity. Archives of Toxicology. 2014; 88 (5):1043-1067.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Elisa Bustaffa; Andrea Stoccoro; Fabrizio Bianchi; Lucia Migliore. 2014. "Genotoxic and epigenetic mechanisms in arsenic carcinogenicity." Archives of Toxicology 88, no. 5: 1043-1067.