This page has only limited features, please log in for full access.
The endothelium controls vascular homeostasis through a delicate balance between secretion of vasodilators and vasoconstrictors. The loss of physiological homeostasis leads to endothelial dysfunction, for which inflammatory events represent critical determinants. In this context, therapeutic approaches targeting inflammation-related vascular injury may help for the treatment of cardiovascular disease and a multitude of other conditions related to endothelium dysfunction, including COVID-19. In recent years, within the complexity of the inflammatory scenario related to loss of vessel integrity, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has aroused great interest due to its importance in different signaling pathways at the endothelial level. In this review, we discuss the effects of H2S, a molecule which has been reported to demonstrate anti-inflammatory activity, in addition to many other biological functions related to endothelium and sulfur-drugs as new possible therapeutic options in diseases involving vascular pathobiology, such as in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Francesca Gorini; Serena Del Turco; Laura Sabatino; Melania Gaggini; Cristina Vassalle. H2S as a Bridge Linking Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Endothelial Biology: A Possible Defense in the Fight against SARS-CoV-2 Infection? Biomedicines 2021, 9, 1107 .
AMA StyleFrancesca Gorini, Serena Del Turco, Laura Sabatino, Melania Gaggini, Cristina Vassalle. H2S as a Bridge Linking Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Endothelial Biology: A Possible Defense in the Fight against SARS-CoV-2 Infection? Biomedicines. 2021; 9 (9):1107.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesca Gorini; Serena Del Turco; Laura Sabatino; Melania Gaggini; Cristina Vassalle. 2021. "H2S as a Bridge Linking Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Endothelial Biology: A Possible Defense in the Fight against SARS-CoV-2 Infection?" Biomedicines 9, no. 9: 1107.
The incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes have increased in the last decades and are expected to further grow in the coming years. Chronic hyperglycemia triggers free radical generation and causes increased oxidative stress, affecting a number of molecular mechanisms and cellular pathways, including the generation of advanced glycation end products, proinflammatory and procoagulant effects, induction of apoptosis, vascular smooth-muscle cell proliferation, endothelial and mitochondrial dysfunction, reduction of nitric oxide release, and activation of protein kinase C. Among type 2 diabetes determinants, many data have documented the adverse effects of environmental factors (e.g., air pollutants) through multiple exposure-induced mechanisms (e.g., systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, hypercoagulability, and endothelial and immune responses). Therefore, here we discuss the role of air pollution in oxidative stress-related damage to glycemic metabolism homeostasis, with a particular focus on its impact on health. In this context, the improvement of new advanced tools (e.g., omic techniques and the study of epigenetic changes) may provide a substantial contribution, helping in the evaluation of the individual in his biological totality, and offer a comprehensive assessment of the molecular, clinical, environmental, and epidemiological aspects.
Francesca Gorini; Laura Sabatino; Melania Gaggini; Kyriazoula Chatzianagnostou; Cristina Vassalle. Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in the Relationship between Type 2 Diabetes and Air Pollution. Antioxidants 2021, 10, 1234 .
AMA StyleFrancesca Gorini, Laura Sabatino, Melania Gaggini, Kyriazoula Chatzianagnostou, Cristina Vassalle. Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in the Relationship between Type 2 Diabetes and Air Pollution. Antioxidants. 2021; 10 (8):1234.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesca Gorini; Laura Sabatino; Melania Gaggini; Kyriazoula Chatzianagnostou; Cristina Vassalle. 2021. "Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in the Relationship between Type 2 Diabetes and Air Pollution." Antioxidants 10, no. 8: 1234.
Background Rare diseases (RDs) encompass a heterogeneous group of life-threatening or chronically debilitating conditions that individually affect a small number of subjects but overall represent a major public health issue globally. There are still limited data on RD burden due to the paucity of large population-based epidemiological studies. The aim of this research was to provide survival estimates of patients with a RD residing in Tuscany, Italy. Methods Cases collected in the Rare Diseases Registry of Tuscany with diagnosis between 1st January 2000 and 31th December 2018 were linked to the regional health databases in order to retrieve information on mortality of all subjects. Survival at 1, 5 and 10 years from diagnosis with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was estimated by sex, age class, nosological group and subgroup using the Kaplan–Meier method. The effect of sex, age and period of diagnosis (years 2000–2009 or 2010–2018) on survival was estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression. Results Survival at 1, 5 and 10 years from diagnosis was 97.3%, 88.8% and 80.8%, respectively. Respiratory diseases and peripheral and central nervous system disorders were characterized by the lowest survival at 5 and 10 years. Despite a modest higher prevalence of RDs among females (54.0% of the total), male cases had a significant increased risk of death (hazard ratio, HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.38–1.58). Cases diagnosed during 2010–2018 period had a risk of death significantly lower than those diagnosed during 2000–2009 (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.82–0.96), especially for immune system disorders (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.26–0.87), circulatory system diseases (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.45–0.84) and diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.49–0.84). Conclusions An earlier diagnosis as well as the improvement in the efficacy of treatment resulted in a decreased risk of death over the years for specific RDs. The linkage between a population-based registry and other regional databases exploited in this study provides a large and accurate mass of data capable of estimating patients’ life-expectancy and increasing knowledge on the collective burden of RDs.
Francesca Gorini; Alessio Coi; Lorena Mezzasalma; Silvia Baldacci; Anna Pierini; Michele Santoro. Survival of patients with rare diseases: a population-based study in Tuscany (Italy). Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases 2021, 16, 1 -9.
AMA StyleFrancesca Gorini, Alessio Coi, Lorena Mezzasalma, Silvia Baldacci, Anna Pierini, Michele Santoro. Survival of patients with rare diseases: a population-based study in Tuscany (Italy). Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. 2021; 16 (1):1-9.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesca Gorini; Alessio Coi; Lorena Mezzasalma; Silvia Baldacci; Anna Pierini; Michele Santoro. 2021. "Survival of patients with rare diseases: a population-based study in Tuscany (Italy)." Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases 16, no. 1: 1-9.
In recent years, the presence in the environment of chemical compounds with thyroid-disrupting effects is progressively increased. This phenomenon has risen concern for human health as the preservation of thyroid system homeostasis is essential for fetal development and for maintaining psychological and physiological wellbeing. An increasing number of studies explored the role of different classes of toxicants in the occurrence and severity of thyroid diseases, but large epidemiological studies are limited and only a few animal or in vitro studies have attempted to identify the mechanisms of chemical action. Recently, epigenetic changes such as alteration of methylation status or modification of non-coding RNAs have been suggested as correlated to possible deleterious effects leading to different thyroid disorders in susceptible individuals. This review aims to analyze the epigenetic alterations putatively induced by chemical exposures and involved in the onset of frequent thyroid diseases such as thyroid cancer, autoimmune thyroiditis and disruption of fetal thyroid homeostasis.
Letizia Pitto; Francesca Gorini; Fabrizio Bianchi; Elena Guzzolino. New Insights into Mechanisms of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Thyroid Diseases: The Epigenetic Way. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 7787 .
AMA StyleLetizia Pitto, Francesca Gorini, Fabrizio Bianchi, Elena Guzzolino. New Insights into Mechanisms of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Thyroid Diseases: The Epigenetic Way. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (21):7787.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLetizia Pitto; Francesca Gorini; Fabrizio Bianchi; Elena Guzzolino. 2020. "New Insights into Mechanisms of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Thyroid Diseases: The Epigenetic Way." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 21: 7787.
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.
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 StyleFrancesca 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 StyleFrancesca 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.
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has rapidly spread worldwide. A number of serious effects on various organs and systems have been reported in humans, and recently emerging evidence on the potential association between the infection and thyroid dysfunction are attracting attention from the scientific community. This editorial critically summarizes the main findings on this topic published so far and defines research lines according to the translational approach from the bench to the bed to epidemiological studies and back again, aimed at patient care and effective public health measures.
Francesca Gorini; Fabrizio Bianchi; Giorgio Iervasi. COVID-19 and Thyroid: Progress and Prospects. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 6630 .
AMA StyleFrancesca Gorini, Fabrizio Bianchi, Giorgio Iervasi. COVID-19 and Thyroid: Progress and Prospects. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (18):6630.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesca Gorini; Fabrizio Bianchi; Giorgio Iervasi. 2020. "COVID-19 and Thyroid: Progress and Prospects." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 18: 6630.
The adverse health effects of exposure to air pollutants, notably to particulate matter (PM), are well-known, as well as the association with measured or estimated concentration levels. The role of perception can be relevant in exploring effects and pollution control actions. The purpose of this study was to explore studies that analyse people’s perception, together with the measurement of air pollution, in order to elucidate the relationship between them. We conducted a systematic review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. In March 2020, PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases were explored in an attempt to search for studies published from 2000 to 2020. The review included 38 studies, most of which were conducted in China (n = 13) and the United States (n = 11) and published over the last four years (n = 26). Three studies were multicenter investigations, while five articles were based on a national-level survey. The air quality (AQ) was assessed by monitoring stations (n = 24) or dispersion models (n = 7). Many studies were population questionnaire-based, air monitoring and time-series studies, and web-based investigations. A direct association between exposure and perception emerged in 20 studies. This systematic review has shown that most of the studies establish a relationship between risk perception measurement. A broad spectrum of concepts and notions related to perception also emerged, which is undoubtedly an indicator of the wealth of available knowledge and is promising for future research.
Liliana Cori; Gabriele Donzelli; Francesca Gorini; Fabrizio Bianchi; Olivia Curzio. Risk Perception of Air Pollution: A Systematic Review Focused on Particulate Matter Exposure. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 6424 .
AMA StyleLiliana Cori, Gabriele Donzelli, Francesca Gorini, Fabrizio Bianchi, Olivia Curzio. Risk Perception of Air Pollution: A Systematic Review Focused on Particulate Matter Exposure. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (17):6424.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLiliana Cori; Gabriele Donzelli; Francesca Gorini; Fabrizio Bianchi; Olivia Curzio. 2020. "Risk Perception of Air Pollution: A Systematic Review Focused on Particulate Matter Exposure." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 17: 6424.
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.
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 StyleElisa 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 StyleElisa 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.
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) represents one of the main pollutants originating from both geologic phenomena such as volcanoes, geysers, fumaroles and hot springs, and geothermal plants that produce heat and electricity. Many increasing data suggest that H2S retains a variety of biological properties, and modulates many pathways related to cardiovascular pathophysiology although its role as beneficial/adverse determinant on cardiovascular disease (CVD) is not clearly established. In this review, the current knowledge on the association between H2S exposure and risk of CVD in geothermal areas has been examined. The few epidemiological studies carried out in geothermal areas suggest, in some cases, a protective role of H2S towards CVD, while in others a positive association between exposure to H2S and increased incidence of CVD. Most of the studies have an ecological design that does not allow to produce evidence to support a causal relationship and also often lack for an adequate adjustment for individual CVD risk factors. The review has also considered the potential role of two other aspects not sufficiently explored in this relationship: the production of endogenous H2S that is a gasotransmitter producing beneficial effects on cardiovascular function at low concentration and the intake of H2S-releasing drugs for the treatment of patients affected by hypertension, inflammatory diseases, and CVD. Thus, a threshold effect of H2S and the shift of action as beneficial/adverse determinant given by the synergy of exogenous exposure and endogenous production cannot be excluded. In this complex scenario, an effort is warranted in the future to include a more comprehensive evaluation of risk for CVD in relation to H2S emissions, especially in geothermal areas.
Francesca Gorini; Elisa Bustaffa; Kyriazoula Chatzianagnostou; Fabrizio Bianchi; Cristina Vassalle. Hydrogen sulfide and cardiovascular disease: Doubts, clues, and interpretation difficulties from studies in geothermal areas. Science of The Total Environment 2020, 743, 140818 .
AMA StyleFrancesca Gorini, Elisa Bustaffa, Kyriazoula Chatzianagnostou, Fabrizio Bianchi, Cristina Vassalle. Hydrogen sulfide and cardiovascular disease: Doubts, clues, and interpretation difficulties from studies in geothermal areas. Science of The Total Environment. 2020; 743 ():140818.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesca Gorini; Elisa Bustaffa; Kyriazoula Chatzianagnostou; Fabrizio Bianchi; Cristina Vassalle. 2020. "Hydrogen sulfide and cardiovascular disease: Doubts, clues, and interpretation difficulties from studies in geothermal areas." Science of The Total Environment 743, no. : 140818.
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.
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 StyleFrancesca 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 StyleFrancesca 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.
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.
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 StyleFrancesca 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 StyleFrancesca 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.
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.
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 StyleElisa 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 StyleElisa 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.
In past years, communication activities have become increasingly important in the environment and health domain, considering the concurrent developments of social media and scientific citizenship that contributed changes in legislation and culture. Communication is particularly crucial where an environmental hazard is present, as in the case of high risk environmental and health risk areas. The project “International Center of Advanced Study in Environment, Ecosystem and Human Health” (CISAS), carried out by the Italian National Research Council, covers multiple research activities, from ecology to biology and medical sciences, from epidemiology to social sciences and communication. Three different studies based on human biomonitoring and a birth cohort study are currently in progress in the project locations, together with studies on the environmental fate of pollutants. A clear, accurate and respectful communication of study protocols and results represents a priority to produce comprehensible information available for policy makers, citizens, and stakeholders. This paper describes the multiple external and internal communication activities planned in the framework of the CISAS project as an example of promotion of knowledge in the society at large and improvement of risk management in the environmental health domain.
Liliana Cori; Fabrizio Bianchi; Mario Sprovieri; Angela Cuttitta; Silvia Ruggieri; Anna Lisa Alessi; Girolama Biondo; Francesca Gorini. Communication and Community Involvement to Support Risk Governance. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2019, 16, 4356 .
AMA StyleLiliana Cori, Fabrizio Bianchi, Mario Sprovieri, Angela Cuttitta, Silvia Ruggieri, Anna Lisa Alessi, Girolama Biondo, Francesca Gorini. Communication and Community Involvement to Support Risk Governance. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019; 16 (22):4356.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLiliana Cori; Fabrizio Bianchi; Mario Sprovieri; Angela Cuttitta; Silvia Ruggieri; Anna Lisa Alessi; Girolama Biondo; Francesca Gorini. 2019. "Communication and Community Involvement to Support Risk Governance." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16, no. 22: 4356.
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.
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 StyleFabrizio 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 StyleFabrizio 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.
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 StyleLiliana 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 StyleLiliana 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.
In the last decades, the incidence of thyroid cancer has increased faster than that of any other malignant tumor type. The cause of thyroid cancer is likely multifactorial and a variety of both exogenous and endogenous has been identified as potential risk factors. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), used since the 1970s as flame retardants, are still widespread and persistent pollutants today, although their production was definitely phased out in the western countries several years ago. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers are known endocrine disruptors, and the endocrine system is their primary target. Whereas animal studies have ascertained the ability of PBDEs to affect the normal functionality of the thyroid, evidence in humans remains inconclusive, and only a few epidemiological studies investigated the association between exposure to PBDEs and thyroid cancer. However, a number of clues suggest that a prolonged exposure to these chemicals might act a trigger of the most common malignancy of the endocrine system, whereas further studies with an advanced design are suggested.
Francesca Gorini; Giorgio Iervasi; Alessio Coi; Letizia Pitto; Fabrizio Bianchi. The Role of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Thyroid Carcinogenesis: Is It a Weak Hypothesis or a Hidden Reality? From Facts to New Perspectives. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2018, 15, 1834 .
AMA StyleFrancesca Gorini, Giorgio Iervasi, Alessio Coi, Letizia Pitto, Fabrizio Bianchi. The Role of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Thyroid Carcinogenesis: Is It a Weak Hypothesis or a Hidden Reality? From Facts to New Perspectives. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2018; 15 (9):1834.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesca Gorini; Giorgio Iervasi; Alessio Coi; Letizia Pitto; Fabrizio Bianchi. 2018. "The Role of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Thyroid Carcinogenesis: Is It a Weak Hypothesis or a Hidden Reality? From Facts to New Perspectives." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 15, no. 9: 1834.
Congenital anomalies (CAs) represent one of the main cause of foetal death, infant mortality and morbidity, and long-term disability. CAs have been object of systematic registration activity for a long-time in many geographical areas in Europe and worldwide. CAs are often associated with disabilities of different types and severity, including the developed Countries worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), each year approximately 3,2 million of children worldwide are born with a CA and approximately 300,000 newborns with a diagnosis of birth defect die within the first 28 days of life. In Europe, CAs are the leading cause of perinatal mortality: the European Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies (EUROC AT) network estimated a perinatal mortality associated with CAs of 9.2 per 10,000 births in 2008-2012. In Italy, the Ministry of Health estimates that, on the average of 500,000 births each year, about 25,000 present at least one CA. Moreover, approximately 25% of infant mortality is due to CAs and about 50% of infant mortality is attributable to perinatal morbidity, almost always of prenatal origin. Regarding long-term survival, a recent population study conducted between 1985 and 2003 in the UK estimated a 20.5-year survival of 85.5% of children born with at least one CA. According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 3.3% of live births in the United States have a severe birth defect. Since CAs represent a significant public health issue, an effective primary prevention strategy should be a priority for public policies and healthcare system. Regarding aetiology, although in many cases the cause is still unknown, it has been hypothesized that CAs may be developed during the first trimester of pregnancy as a result of hereditary polygenic defects or of a gene-environment interaction. The aetiology is predominantly multifactorial, caused by complex interactions between genes and environment, which modify the normal embryo-foetal development, especially during the organogenesis phase. In particular, environmental factors (e.g., chemical toxicants, infection agents, maternal disease, and exogenous factors) can have preconceptional mutagenic action, postconceptional teratogenic effects, periconceptional endocrine disruption or epigenetic action. Regarding genetic causes, there are genetic chromosomal aberrations or dysgeneses. Furthermore, socioeconomic factors affect reproductive health by differentiating the exposure to the other risk factors as well as the access to prevention measures. In recent years, the importance of the environment as a major factor of reproductive risk has been highlighted. An individual may be exposed to pollutants present in the workplace and the population may be exposed to multiple sources of environmental contamination of water, soil, and air matrices. Pregnant women and the developing foetus are particularly sensitive to the effects of environmental exposure. The aim of...
Silvia Baldacci; Francesca Gorini; Michele Santoro; Anna Pierini; Fabrizio Minichilli; Fabrizio Bianchi. Environmental and individual exposure and the risk of congenital anomalies: a review of recent epidemiological evidence. Epidemiol Prev 2018, 42, 1 -34.
AMA StyleSilvia Baldacci, Francesca Gorini, Michele Santoro, Anna Pierini, Fabrizio Minichilli, Fabrizio Bianchi. Environmental and individual exposure and the risk of congenital anomalies: a review of recent epidemiological evidence. Epidemiol Prev. 2018; 42 ():1-34.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSilvia Baldacci; Francesca Gorini; Michele Santoro; Anna Pierini; Fabrizio Minichilli; Fabrizio Bianchi. 2018. "Environmental and individual exposure and the risk of congenital anomalies: a review of recent epidemiological evidence." Epidemiol Prev 42, no. : 1-34.
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.
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 StyleFabrizio 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 StyleFabrizio 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.
The effects of noise on students’ health, well-being, and learning are of growing concern among both the general public and policy-makers in Europe. Several studies have highlighted the consequences of noise on children’s learning and performance at school. This study investigates the relationship between noise judgment in school goers aged 11–18 and noise measurements aimed at evaluating their exposure at school. For this purpose, a questionnaire was administered to 521 individuals in 28 classrooms in eight schools of four cities in Italy, with different environmental characteristics. Using a Likert-type scale, a selected set of responses related to noise generated an Annoyance Index (AI) score for each student and a classroom median score (MAI). From the noise data acquired, a global noise score (GNS) was assigned to each classroom. A higher AI was found in industrialized areas and among younger students. No significant differences in noise judgment were found by gender. A significant inverse correlation was described between MAI and GNS, thus the better the acoustic quality of the classrooms, the less the perceived noise and annoyance. The results show that noise perception and consequent disturbance are highly correlated with classroom acoustics, and confirm that annoyance represents the most widespread subjective response to noise.
Fabrizio Minichilli; Francesca Gorini; Elena Ascari; Fabrizio Bianchi; Alessio Coi; Luca Fredianelli; Gaetano Licitra; Federica Manzoli; Lorena Mezzasalma; Liliana Cori. Annoyance Judgment and Measurements of Environmental Noise: A Focus on Italian Secondary Schools. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2018, 15, 208 .
AMA StyleFabrizio Minichilli, Francesca Gorini, Elena Ascari, Fabrizio Bianchi, Alessio Coi, Luca Fredianelli, Gaetano Licitra, Federica Manzoli, Lorena Mezzasalma, Liliana Cori. Annoyance Judgment and Measurements of Environmental Noise: A Focus on Italian Secondary Schools. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2018; 15 (2):208.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFabrizio Minichilli; Francesca Gorini; Elena Ascari; Fabrizio Bianchi; Alessio Coi; Luca Fredianelli; Gaetano Licitra; Federica Manzoli; Lorena Mezzasalma; Liliana Cori. 2018. "Annoyance Judgment and Measurements of Environmental Noise: A Focus on Italian Secondary Schools." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 15, no. 2: 208.
Among all congenital malformations, congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the main cause of neonatal mortality and infant mortality and morbidity, thus representing a major public health burden. Several epidemiological studies suggested the role of environmental factors in the genesis of CHDs. to collect the recently literature (2011-2015) on the increasing risk of CHDs in the offspring of exposure to industries, mines, landfills, and incinerators and individual risk factors (cigarette smoking, alcohol use, occupational exposure, socioeconomic status, and air pollution). a search was carried out in PubMed following SENTIERI project criteria to evaluate evidence by selecting English and Italian articles regarding human studies. 2,066 abstracts were collected and examined individually. Systematic reviews of epidemiological and individual studies reporting association estimates between the outcome (CHDs) and at least one of the risk factors were selected. studies on industries and landfills exposures provided limited evidence of increased risk of CHDs associated with the proximity of maternal residence to the sites. Inadequate evidence was found for positive association between exposure to mines or incinerators and risk of CHDs. Regarding maternal cigarette smoking, literature provided sufficient evidence of an increased risk of CHDs in offspring. A limited evidence of an increased risk of CHDs among pregnant women working in agriculture or exposed to solvents and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons emerged. Sufficient epidemiological evidence emerged for the association between CHDs and maternal exposure to high concentrations of NO2 and SO2. meta-analysis results should be interpreted with caution as they are based on a few studies, some of which are subject to high heterogeneity. For future research, epidemiological studies including spontaneous abortions and voluntary termination of pregnancy, an accurate individual exposure characterisation and an adequate control of the main confounding variables are needed.
Silvia Baldacci; Francesca Gorini; Fabrizio Minichilli; Anna Pierini; Michele Santoro; Fabrizio Bianchi. Rassegna degli studi epidemiologici su fattori di rischio individuali e ambientali nell’eziologia dei difetti cardiaci congeniti. Epidemiol Prev 2016, 40, 185 -196.
AMA StyleSilvia Baldacci, Francesca Gorini, Fabrizio Minichilli, Anna Pierini, Michele Santoro, Fabrizio Bianchi. Rassegna degli studi epidemiologici su fattori di rischio individuali e ambientali nell’eziologia dei difetti cardiaci congeniti. Epidemiol Prev. 2016; 40 (3-4):185-196.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSilvia Baldacci; Francesca Gorini; Fabrizio Minichilli; Anna Pierini; Michele Santoro; Fabrizio Bianchi. 2016. "Rassegna degli studi epidemiologici su fattori di rischio individuali e ambientali nell’eziologia dei difetti cardiaci congeniti." Epidemiol Prev 40, no. 3-4: 185-196.