Oligometastatic Prostate Cancer Treated with Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy: The Role of Three-Dimensional Tumour Volume in Patient Survival.

AIMS: The definition of oligometastatic prostate cancer (OPCa) is currently based solely on the maximum number of detectable metastases, as there are no validated biomarkers available. The aim of this study was to identify novel predictive factors for OPCa patients who underwent metastases-directed therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This monocentre, retrospective study included consecutive OPCa patients with a maximum of five metastases in up to two organs, detected with choline- or PSMA-positron emission tomography, who were treated with metastases-directed stereotactic body radiation therapy. Endpoints were overall survival and progression-free survival, assessed with Kaplan-Meier analysis. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression was carried out to evaluate the association between clinical factors and survival outcomes. RESULTS: Between 2009 and 2021, 163 patients and 320 metastases were treated with 226 stereotactic body radiation therapy courses. The median three-dimensional metastatic tumour volume was 4.1 cm3, with a range from 0.01 to 233.4 cm3. In total, 87 (53.4%), 21 (12.9%) and 55 (33.7%) metastases were classified as cN1, cM1a and cM1b, respectively. The median follow-up was 28.5 months. The rates of overall survival at 1, 3 and 5 years were 89.5% (95% confidence interval 83.4-93.4), 74.9% (95% confidence interval 66.1-81.7) and 57.2% (95% confidence interval 45.8-67.1), respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that overall survival reduced with the increase in three-dimensional total tumour volume (hazard ratio 1.93, 95% confidence interval 1.06-3.52; P = 0.030) and confirmed a significant difference between cN1 versus cM1a-b disease (hazard ratio 1.81, 95% confidence interval 1.01-3.25; P = 0.046). The cut-off value of total volume correlated with the highest risk of death was 20 cm3 (hazard ratio 2.37, 95% confidence interval 1.34-4.18; P = 0.003). The median progression-free survival was 17.8 months, with 1-, 3- and 5-year rates of 63.7% (95% confidence interval 55.4-70.9), 31.5% (95% confidence interval 22.8-40.6) and 24.7% (95% confidence interval 16.0-34.3). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified three-dimensional total tumour volume and the site of oligometastases as significant predictors of survival in OPCa patients treated with metastases-directed therapy. These parameters can potentially be used to personalised treatment and improve patient outcome.

Molecular typing and genome sequencing allow the identification of persistent Listeria monocytogenes strains and the tracking of the contamination source in food environments.

The presence of Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) in the food processing environment (facilities and products) is a challenging problem in food safety management. Lm is one of the main causes of mortality in foodborne infections, and the trend is continuously increasing. In this study, a collection of 323 Lm strain isolates recovered from food matrices and food industry environments (surfaces and equipment) over four years from 80 food processing facilities was screened using a restriction site-associated tag sequencing (2b-RAD) typing approach developed for Lm. Thirty-six different restriction site-associated DNA (RAD) types (RTs) were identified, most of which correspond to lineage II. RT1, the most represented genotype in our collection and already reported as one of the most prevalent genotypes in the food environment, was significantly associated with meat processing facilities. The sequencing of the genomes of strains belonging to the same RT and isolated in the same facility in different years revealed several clusters of persistence. The definition of the persistent strains (PSs) allowed the identification of the potential source of contamination in the incoming raw meat that is introduced in the facility to be processed. The slaughterhouses, which, according to the European Union (EU) regulation, are not inspected for the presence of Lm could be hotspots for the persistence of Lm PSs.

Heavy metals as risk factors for human diseases - a Bayesian network approach.

Modern industrial agricultural processes expose human beings to multifactorial environmental pollution including heightened levels of heavy metals. The effects of acute heavy metal exposures at toxic levels are usually known; they are tested for and treated promptly. The effects of low/moderate-level chronic heavy metal exposures are less known as they may be subclinical, and pathogenic effects may only manifest clinically over time under the disguise of a diagnosable disease or miscellaneous symptoms attributed to aging. Consequently, the health impact of low-moderate heavy metal exposure is unlikely to be identified. Furthermore, established heavy metal safety levels often fail to recognize the potential toxic effects on humans. We report in this review what is known about the sub-chronic and chronic effects of exposure to heavy metals, particularly lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and nickel, and we highlight their possible effects in the brain, cardiovascular and endocrine-metabolic systems, and on reproduction.

Male breast cancer, clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment: Twenty years of experience in our Breast Unit.

BACKGROUND: The male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare and represents less than 1% of all malignancies in men and only 1% of all breast cancers incident. We illustrate the experience of our team about the clinico-pathological characteristics, treatment and prognostic factors of patients treated over a period of twenty years . RESULTS: Forty-seven patients were collected 1995-2014 at the Breast Unit of the Hospital of Terni, Italy. The average age was 67 years and the median time to diagnosis from the onset of symptoms was 16 months. The main clinical complaint was sub areolar swelling in 36, 76% of cases. Most patients have come to our attention with advanced disease. The histology of about ninety percent of the tumors were invasive ductal carcinoma. Management consisted mainly of radical mastectomy; followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and hormonal therapy with or without chemotherapy. The median follow-up was 38 months. The evolution has been characterized by local recurrences; in eight cases (17% of all patients). Metastasis occurred in 15 cases (32% of all patients). The site of bone metastases was in eight cases; lung in four cases; liver in three cases; liver and skin in one case and pleura and skin in one case. CONCLUSION: The male breast cancer has many similarities to breast cancer in women, but there are distinct functions that need to be appreciated. Future research for a better understanding of the disease should provide a better account of genetic and epigenetic characteristics of these forms; but, above all, epidemiological and biological cohorts numerically more consistent.

Myoblastoma of the breast: Our experience and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Breast myoblastoma or granular cell tumor involving the breast parenchyma has been described in detail for the first time since Abrikossoff in 1931. The location of this injury to the breast is very rare, accounting for between 5% and 15% of all cases of cancer of the granular cells. We present our experience regarding the identification of two cases because of the relative rarity of this tumor. It is often confused with breast cancer on clinical and radiological, and its diagnosis can then be difficult for physicians, radiologists and pathologists. PRESENTATION OF CASES: We report the cases of two young women who came to our attention because of the presence of mass shoveled breast, mobile and accompanied by pain cycle independent. In both cases, mammography and ultrasound revealed the presence of heterogeneous mass and irregular, but in one of two such mass located at the Union of external quadrants of the left breast and was in contact with his serratus anterior and suspicion for malignancy. In both cases the 'histology combined with immunohistochemical study proved to be a granular cell tumor. CONCLUSION: Although a granular cell tumor of the breast is a rare tumor breast, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant lesions. Surgeons and pathologists should keep in mind when considering a granular cell tumor cells with abundant granular cytoplasm containing materials to avoid misdiagnosing breast cancer, which could lead to unnecessary surgery.

Tracheal varices caused by mediastinal compression of a large intrathoracic goiter: report of a case.

INTRODUCTION: Tracheal varices are a rare condition but they can be an important source of massive or recurrent haemoptysis. Usually they are related to increased pressure in the pulmonary veins. Mediastinal goiter is often associated to compressive effects on the surrounding structures, including mediastinal vessels with potential superior vena cava syndrome. CASE REPORT: We describe a case, not previously reported in literature, of mediastinal goiter with hemoptysis as first clinical manifestation. Bleeding was attributed to a superior vena cava syndrome associated to a tracheal fragile mucosa with an easily bleeding intramural nodule which was diagnosed as tracheal varices after total thyroidectomy. The nodule in fact disappeared together with the venous hypertensive signs after venous decompression of the mediastinum. CONCLUSIONS: Compressive symptoms including tracheal varices, related to mediastinal goiter, can be treated surgically by total thyroidectomy via cervicotomy and when required with associated median sternotomy.

Impact of ferromanganese alloy plants on household dust manganese levels: implications for childhood exposure.

Adolescents living in communities with ferromanganese alloy plant activity have been shown to exhibit deficits in olfactory and fine motor function. Household dust may serve as an important manganese (Mn) exposure pathway to children, though dust Mn concentrations have not previously been measured to assess household contamination from ferromanganese alloy plant emissions. Here we determined the association between dust concentrations and surface loadings of Mn and other metals (Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn) in indoor and outdoor household dust from three Italian communities that differ by history of ferromanganese alloy plant activity: Bagnolo Mella, with an active ferromanganese alloy plant (n=178 households); Valcamonica, with historically active plants (n=166); and Garda Lake, with no history of ferromanganese plant activity (n=99). We also evaluated Mn levels in other environmental (soil, airborne particulates) and candidate biomarker (blood, hair, saliva, fingernails) samples from children within the households. Household dust Mn concentrations and surface loadings were significantly different between the three sites, with levels highest in Bagnolo Mella (outdoor median Mn concentration=4620, range 487-183,000µg/g), intermediate in Valcamonica (median=876, range 407-8240µg/g), and lowest in Garda Lake (median=407, range 258-7240µg/g). Outdoor dust Mn concentrations in Bagnolo Mella, but not the other communities, were significantly inversely related with distance from the plant (R(2)=0.6630, P<0.0001). Moreover, outdoor dust Mn concentrations and loadings were highly predictive of but significantly higher than indoor dust Mn concentrations and loadings by ~2 to ~7-fold (Mn concentrations) and ~7 to ~20-fold (Mn loadings). Finally, both indoor and outdoor dust Mn concentrations and outdoor dust Mn loading values were highly significantly correlated with both soil and air Mn concentrations, and with children's hair and fingernail Mn concentrations, but weakly or not associated with saliva or blood Mn levels. Given the evidence associating elevated Mn exposure with neurological impairments in children, these data support that dust Mn levels should be reduced in contaminated environments to protect the health of resident children.

Efecto del contacto piel con piel sobre la presencia de síntomas depresivos post parto en mujeres de bajo riesgo obstétrico / The effect of Mother/Infant skin-to-skin contact on postpartum depressive symptoms in women with low obstetric risk

Antecedentes: La depresión postparto es un problema de alta prevalencia que impacta en la vinculación afectiva de la madre con su hijo(a). El contacto piel con piel se define como el contacto del recién nacido seco y desnudo, en posición prona sobre el pecho desnudo de su madre, cubierto por su espalda con una manta tibia, inmediatamente ocurrido el parto durante al menos una hora. Objetivo: Examinar la relación entre el contacto piel con piel y la incidencia de síntomas depresivos en mujeres con embarazos de bajo riesgo obstétrico. Pacientes y Método: Estudio analítico prospectivo de 393 puérperas de bajo riesgo obstétrico que evaluó sintomatología depresiva puerperal y su asociación con variables bio-sociodemográficas y características del contacto piel con piel como variable en estudio. Los datos se recolectaron a través de un cuestionario a las 24-48 h postparto y un seguimiento telefónico para pesquisar síntomas depresivos a través de la Escala de Depresión de Edimburgo a las 8 sem postparto. Resultados: Se reporta una incidencia de 29% de síntomas depresivos. El análisis mostró que el contacto piel con piel y el inicio precoz del amamantamiento están asociado significativamente con la ausencia de sintomatología depresiva postparto. Conclusión: El contacto piel con piel fue la única variable en este estudio capaz de explicar la ausencia de síntomas depresivos en mujeres que cursaron embarazos de bajo riesgo obstétrico. Se sugiere su implementación como estrategia preventiva.

Background: Postpartum depression can interfere with bonding between the mother and the child. The skin-to-skin contact is defined as the contact of the new-born, dry and naked, prone on the mother's bare chest and with a warm blanket placed across the infant's back; this contact takes place immediately after delivery, for at least an hour. Objective: To examine the relationship between skin-to-skin contact and the incidence of depressive symptoms in women with low risk pregnancies. Patients and Method: A prospective analytical study was performed in 393 postpartum women with low obstetric risk in order to evaluate the postpartum depressive symptomatology and its association with biodemographic and skin-to-skin contact variables. Data were collected through a questionnaire at 24 to 48 hours postpartum and through telephone follow-up, at 8 weeks postpartum, in order to screen depressive symptoms using the Edinburgh Depression Scale. Results: 29% of women reported depressive symptoms. The analysis showed that skin-to-skin contact and early initiation of breastfeeding are significantly associated with the absence of postpartum depressive symptomatology. Conclusion: Skin-to-skin contact was the only variable in this study that can explain the absence of depressive symptoms in women with low risk pregnancies. Skin-to-skin contact implementation is suggested as a preventive strategy.

Total thyroidectomy and central lymph node dissection. Experience of a referral centre for endocrine surgery.

AIM: Thyroid cancer prognosis is determined by several variables, even with extremely elevated survival rate. The most debated issues are the type of thyroidectomy and extension of lymphadenectomy. Aim of the study is the analysis of benefits of level VI lymphadenectomy associated to total thyroidectomy in the treatment of thyroid cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 316 total thyroidectomy with central node dissection were carried out in the Unit of Endocrine Surgery, University of Perugia. Direct parathyroid auto-implantation was carried out if damage or accidental excision occurred. High risk patients received radioiodine treatment. RESULTS: Lymph node metastases in the VI level were observed in 42% of cases with a significant difference (p 0.0042) of positive lymph node in level VI comparing tumor larger than 1 cm vs smaller than 1 cm. No significant differences were observed when considering difference of sex, and age. Significant difference (p 0.005) was shown when considering over 45 years old male patients with tumor larger than 1 cm vs smaller ones. The 78% of patients underwent iodine ablation after surgery. Recurrence rate in these patients was 3.2%, with no significant difference compared to not treated patients. Bilateral temporary recurrent nerves palsy were observed in 0.6% of cases, unilateral temporary recurrent nerves palsy in 3.4%, unilateral permanent palsy in 1.5%, temporary hypoparathyroidism in 17%, permanent hypoparathyroidism in 4.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Total thyroidectomy combined to central node dissection, even in absence of risk factors and without clinical evident nodes, is the treatment of choice offering clear indications to radioiodine ablation.

Thyroid anaplastic carcinoma: the impact of multimodality treatment on survival. The experience of a referral center for endocrine surgery.

AIM: Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is characterized by local invasiveness, risk of recurrence and very poor prognosis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 79 consecutive patients treated between 1996 and 2012. We analysed the multimodality treatment of ATC considering the impact of surgery and radiotherapy on survival. RESULTS: Patients were divided in groups A and B (tumor less and larger than 5 cm). Surgery was carried out in 44 patients, radiotherapy in 48 patients. Tracheostomy and endoprosthesis were used respectively in 48.1% and in 25.3% of patients. The mean survival was 5.35 (± 3.2) months with no significant difference in group A vs. group B. Considering patients undergone surgery, significant impact on survival was observed comparing A vs. B (P=0.013). Combination of surgery and radiotherapy significantly improves outcome comparing A vs. B (P=0.017). Improvement in survival compared to no treatment at all was observed in both groups respectively for surgery (P=0.001 and P=0.0001) and radiotherapy (P=0.047 and P=0.0001). CONCLUSION: Although the severity of prognosis of ATC, multimodality treatment still significantly improves local control of the disease achieving acceptable survival in selected patients and adequate palliation of symptoms for the others. Surgery is still a fundamental treatment.

Micro HTA as a tool for clinical governance: the experience of the Breast Unit in "Santa Maria" Terni Hospital.

The last decade has witnessed the affirmation of the paradigm Health Technology Assessment (HTA) as a tool for government innovation technology in health care. As is known, this is an approach of evaluation oriented policy making that, in addition to provide for the disclosure of its results, it is proposed to consider simultaneously the clinical, economic, organizational, ethical and social issues arising from the introduction or disposal of a health technology, understood in the broadest sense of the term. In order to reconstruct a realistic picture of its level of implementation we have reproduced a micro HTA which served to assess the Harmonic Focus® device usefulness in breast surgery.

Health technology assessment and thyroid surgery.

The growth of technological innovation, the request for assistance, the rising patient's expectations and the interest of the industry have led to a rise in the cost of health care systems. In this context the role of the National Health System is not to delay the development or adoption of new technologies, but rather to drive the development selecting priorities and promoting its use. Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is a multidisciplinary and multidimensional approach for analyzing the medical-clinical, social, organizational, economic, ethical and legal implications of a technology (devices, drugs, procedures) through the assessment of multiple parameters such as effectiveness, safety, costs of the social and organizational impact. A health technology assessment is a comprehensive, systematic evaluation of the prerequisites for estimating the consequences of using health technology. Main characteristic of HTA is that the problem is tackled using an approach focused on four main elements: - technology; - patient; - organization; - economy. The authors have applied the HTA method for the analysis of the ultrasonic focus dissector on thyroid surgery. They compared the cost of the surgical procedure using the ultrasonic dissector and without it in a case study of 440 patients who underwent thyroidectomy.

[Symptoms and upper limb work-related musculo-skeletal disorders among 173 supermarket cashiers]. / Disturbi e patologie da sovraccarico biomeccanico degli arti superiori in un campione di 173 lavoratori addetti alle casse di supermercati.

BACKGROUND: Cashiers in supermarket chains have long been considered at risk for the development of work related musculo-skeletal disorders of the upper limbs (UL-WMSDs). The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of UL-WMSDs among workers operating supermarket cash tills and, after clinical tests, their frequency. METHODS: A standardized questionnaire was given to a random group of 173 workers in order to collect information regarding symptoms in the upper limbs (pain and parasthesia). Among the 111 workers who reached a "positive clinical history threshold" we selected a random sample of subjects to undergo clinical tests (professional medical care, ultrasound examination, electro-neurographic examination). RESULTS: 64% of the workers had a positive clinical history for UL-WMSDs. The most frequently reported disorder was pain, especially in the shoulder, while 37% of workers suffered from one or more disorders of the upper limbs. Clinical tests were performed on 51 workers (47 women) whose average length of service was 20 years and 2/3 were part-time workers; a total of 43 UL-WMSDs (59%) were diagnosed in 30 workers, including 13 (30.2%) cases of compressive neuropathies, 13 cases of hand/elbow tendinitis (30.2%) and 17 cases of shoulder tendinitis (39.5%). The average age of these 30 subjects was 47 years, with a length of service of 23 years, mostly part-time workers. CONCLUSIONS: We found a high prevalence of general disorders and cases of UL-WMSDs among the workers investigated, including part-time workers and workers who were not working exclusively as cashiers. The study also revealed a poor health surveillance programme to identify/ UL-WMSDs that should be the responsibility of the occupational physician and a consequent underestimation of risk and lack of the information needed to adopt preventive measures.

Differentiated thyroid tumors: surgical indications.

Thyroid gland tumors represent 1% of malignant tumors. In Italy their incidence is in constant growth. The aggressiveness depends on the histological type. The relative non-aggressive grade of different forms of tumors is the basis for discussing the treatment of choice: total thyroidectomy vs lobectomy with or without lymphadenectomy of the sixth level in the absence of metastasis. Authors report about their experience, and they advocate, given the high percentage of multicentric forms, total thyroidectomy as treatment of choice.

Efecto del contacto piel con piel sobre la presencia de síntomas depresivos post parto en mujeres de bajo riesgo obstétrico / The effect of Mother/Infant skin-to-skin contact on postpartum depressive symptoms in women with low obstetric risk

Antecedentes: La depresión postparto es un problema de alta prevalencia que impacta en la vinculación afectiva de la madre con su hijo(a). El contacto piel con piel se define como el contacto del recién nacido seco y desnudo, en posición prona sobre el pecho desnudo de su madre, cubierto por su espalda con una manta tibia, inmediatamente ocurrido el parto durante al menos una hora. Objetivo: Examinar la relación entre el contacto piel con piel y la incidencia de síntomas depresivos en mujeres con embarazos de bajo riesgo obstétrico. Pacientes y Método: Estudio analítico prospectivo de 393 puérperas de bajo riesgo obstétrico que evaluó sintomatología depresiva puerperal y su asociación con variables bio-sociodemográficas y características del contacto piel con piel como variable en estudio. Los datos se recolectaron a través de un cuestionario a las 24-48 h postparto y un seguimiento telefónico para pesquisar síntomas depresivos a través de la Escala de Depresión de Edimburgo a las 8 sem postparto. Resultados: Se reporta una incidencia de 29 por ciento de síntomas depresivos. El análisis mostró que el contacto piel con piel y el inicio precoz del amamantamiento están asociado significativamente con la ausencia de sintomatología depresiva postparto. Conclusión: El contacto piel con piel fue la única variable en este estudio capaz de explicar la ausencia de síntomas depresivos en mujeres que cursaron embarazos de bajo riesgo obstétrico. Se sugiere su implementación como estrategia preventiva.

Background: Postpartum depression can interfere with bonding between the mother and the child. The skin-to-skin contact is defined as the contact of the newborn, dry and naked, prone on the mother's bare chest and with a warm blanket placed across the infant's back; this contact takes place immediately after delivery, for at least an hour. Objective: To examine the relationship between skin-to-skin contact and the incidence of depressive symptoms in women with low risk pregnancies. Patients and Method: A prospective analytical study was performed in 393 postpartum women with low obstetric risk in order to evaluate the postpartum depressive symptomatology and its association with biodemographic and skin-to-skin contact variables. Data were collected through a questionnaire at 24 to 48 hours postpartum and through telephone follow-up, at 8 weeks postpartum, in order to screen depressive symptoms using the Edinburgh Depression Scale. Results: 29 percent of women reported depressive symptoms. The analysis showed that skin-to-skin contact and early initiation of breastfeeding are significantly associated with the absence of postpartum depressive symptomatology. Conclusion: Skin-to-skin contact was the only variable in this study that can explain the absence of depressive symptoms in women with low risk pregnancies. Skin-to-skin contact implementation is suggested as a preventive strategy.

Determinantes para una lactancia materna exitosa: intervención integral vs cuidado estándar: ensayo clínico aleatorio controlado / Randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating determinants of successful breastfeeding: follow-up two months after comprehensive intervention versus standard care delivery

Introducción: Lactancia materna exclusiva (LME) es la mejor alternativa para alimentar a los recién nacidos y lactantes, reportándose beneficios para el niño(a), la madre, familia y sociedad. Existen "co-variables" positivas y negativas que influyen en el inicio y mantención de LME. Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos de las "co-variables" en la mantención de LME a los dos meses, según modalidad de atención. Pacientes y Método: Ensayo clínico aleatorio controlado con seguimiento de puérperas e hijos(as), respecto de prevalencia de LME a las 8 sem, y las co-variables positivas y negativas para LME en dos modalidades de asistencia de parto. Muestra: 649 puérperas (330 modalidad integral y 319 modalidad tradicional). Resultados: Prevalencia de LME a las 8 sem correspondió a 56,1 por ciento en modalidad integral y 48,9 por ciento en modalidad tradicional (p = 0,06). Existen diferencias significativas en resultados de LME a las 8 sem según edad, paridad, escolaridad, entre ambas modalidades. Las "co-variables" positivas para LME se presentan en mayor proporción en modalidad integral (p < 0,0001). Conclusión: Si bien, no existen variables que afecten de manera independiente el inicio y duración de LME a las 8 sem, la modalidad integral en su conjunto actuaría a su favor.

Introduction: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is the best alternative for feeding newborns and infants, benefiting the child, the mother, family and society. There are positive and negative covariates influencing the initiation and maintenance of EBF. Objective: To assess the effects of covariates in maintaining EBF after two months, according to type of care received. Patients and Method: Randomized controlled clinical trial with follow-up of women and children regarding prevalence of EBF after 8 weeks, and positive and negative EBF covariates in the two forms of delivery. Sample: 649 postpartum women (330 received comprehensive care and 319 traditional form of care). Results: Prevalence of EBF at 8 weeks corresponded to 56.1 percent in comprehensive mode and 48.9 percent in traditional mode (p = 0.06). There are significantly different EBF results at 8 weeks according to age, birth type and education between both cares. The positive EBF covariates are greater reported for the comprehensive care (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Although there are no variables that independently affect the EBF initiation and duration at 8 weeks, the comprehensive care benefits them.

Metal fractionation in soils and assessment of environmental contamination in Vallecamonica, Italy.

Metal contamination was investigated in soils of the Vallecamonica, an area in the northern part of the Brescia province (Italy), where ferroalloy industries were active for a century until 2001. The extent in which emissions from ferroalloy plants affected metal concentration in soils is not known in this area. In this study, the geogenic and/or anthropogenic origin of metals in soils were estimated. A modified Community Bureau of Reference sequential chemical extraction method followed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) analyses were employed to evaluate the potential bioavailability of Al, Cd, Mn, Fe, Cr, Zn, and Pb in soils. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to assess the relationships among metal sources in soil samples from different locations. This approach allowed distinguishing of different loadings and mobility of metals in soils collected in different areas. Results showed high concentrations and readily extractability of Mn in the Vallecamonica soils, which may suggest potential bioavailability for organisms and may create an environmental risk and potential health risk of human exposure.

Blocked atrial bi/trigeminy in utero evolving in supraventricular tachycardia after birth.

Transient episodes of fetal bradycardia (heart rate less than 110 bpm) are usually benign and typically result from increased vagal stimulation in the fetus. Causes of sustained fetal bradycardia include sinus bradycardia, blocked atrial bigeminy/trigeminy, high-degree atrioventricular block, and long QT syndrome. We present the case of a 34-year-old Caucasian patient referred to our department for "blocked atrial bigeminy with pseudobradycardia" detected elsewhere at 33 weeks of gestation. A fetal echocardiography showed during all the examination a blocked atrial trigeminy with a mean fetal heart rate of 100 bpm. After birth three subsequent ECGs until day 3 showed no evidence of atrial extrasystoles, confirming the well-known frequent regression of this kind of fetal benign arrhythmia, but on day 11 recurrence of supraventricular trigeminy and development of episodes of paroxystic supraventricular tachycardia were observed. On the basis of this observation, we recommend that fetuses with complex atrial ectopic beats should be closely monitored before and after birth for evidence of new arrhythmias.

Airborne particulate matter (PM) filter analysis and modeling by total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) and X-ray standing wave (XSW).

This work is presented as an improvement of a recently introduced method for airborne particulate matter (PM) filter analysis [1]. X-ray standing wave (XSW) and total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) were performed with a new dedicated laboratory instrumentation. The main advantage of performing both XSW and TXRF, is the possibility to distinguish the nature of the sample: if it is a small droplet dry residue, a thin film like or a bulk sample. Another advantage is related to the possibility to select the angle of total reflection to make TXRF measurements. Finally, the possibility to switch the X-ray source allows to measure with more accuracy lighter and heavier elements (with a change in X-ray anode, for example from Mo to Cu). The aim of the present study is to lay the theoretical foundation of the new proposed method for airborne PM filters quantitative analysis improving the accuracy and efficiency of quantification by means of an external standard. The theoretical model presented and discussed demonstrated that airborne PM filters can be considered as thin layers. A set of reference samples is prepared in laboratory and used to obtain a calibration curve. Our results demonstrate that the proposed method for quantitative analysis of air PM filters is affordable and reliable without the necessity to digest filters to obtain quantitative chemical analysis, and that the use of XSW improve the accuracy of TXRF analysis.

Neurological impacts from inhalation of pollutants and the nose-brain connection.

The effects of inhaled particles have focused heavily on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Most studies have focused on inhaled metals, whereas less information is available for other particle types regarding the effects on the brain and other extra-pulmonary organs. We review here the key available literature on nanoparticle uptake and transport through the olfactory pathway, the experimental data from animal and in vitro studies, and human epidemiological observations. Nanoparticles (<0.1 µm in one dimension) may easily reach the brain from the respiratory tract via sensory neurons and transport from the distal alveoli into the blood or lymph as free particles or inside phagocytic cells. These mechanisms and subsequent biologic responses may be influenced by the chemical composition of inhaled particles. Animal studies with ambient particulate matter and certain other particles show alterations in neuro-inflammatory markers of oxidative stress and central neurodegeneration. Human observations indicate motor, cognitive, and behavioral changes especially after particulate metal exposure in children. Exposure to co-pollutants and/or underlying disease states could also impact both the biokinetics and effects of airborne particles in the brain. Data are needed from the areas of inhalation, neurology, and metal toxicology in experimental and human studies after inhalation exposure. An increased understanding of the neurotoxicity associated with air pollution exposure is critical to protect susceptible individuals in the workplace and the general population.