Estrogenic activity in wastewater treatment plants through in vitro effect-based assays: Insights into extraction phase.

Effluents of wastewater treatment plants can abundantly spread endocrine disrupting chemicals in the environment. To improve water quality monitoring, the use of effect-based tools that measure estrogenic activity has been suggested, however their results could be influenced by different factors. This study compared the estrogenic activity of wastewater samples extracted with two stationary phases and tested with two in vitro effect-based assays to investigate whether and how stationary phases and assays could influence biomonitoring data. During four seasonal periods, the effluents of six WWTPs located in northern Italy were sampled. After the extraction using two different stationary phases (HLB, C18), the samples (n = 72) were tested using two effect-based assays: a gene reporter luciferase assay on mammalian cells (MELN) and yeast estrogen screen assay (YES). The results showed that estrogenic activity of HLB extracts was significantly different from the activity of C18 extracts, suggesting that extraction phase can influence biomonitoring data. Moreover, the estrogenic activity was overall higher using gene reporter MELN assay than using YES assay, suggesting that, due to difference in cell membrane permeability and metabolic activation, the applied cell model can affect the biomonitoring results. Finally, from the comparison between the activity of the final effluent and the environmentally safe estrogenic levels in surface waters, MELN data suggested that the activity of this effluent may pose an environmental risk, while YES data showed that it should not be considered a threat to the receiving surface waters. This study pointed out that a standardized approach is needed to assess the estrogenic activity of waters; it reported important data to select the most suitable stationary phase for samples extraction (samples extracted with C18 sorbent showed higher estradiol equivalent concentration values) and the most appropriate bioassay (gene reporter luciferase MELN assay was more sensitive than YES assay) to assess the environmental risk, thus protecting human health.

Atmospheric endocrine disruptors: A systematic review on oestrogenic and androgenic activity of particulate matter.

The alarming human health effects induced by endocrine disruptors (ED) have raised the attention of public opinion and policy makers leading worldwide to regulations that are continuously improved to reduce exposure to them. However, decreasing the exposure levels is challenging because EDs are ubiquitous and exposure occurs through multiple routes. The main exposure route is considered ingestion, but, recently, the inhalation has been hypothesized as an important additional route. To explore this scenario, some authors applied bioassays to assess the endocrine activity of air. This review summarizes for the first time the applied methods and the obtained evidences about the in vitro endocrine activity of airborne particulate matter (PM) collected outdoor. Among the bioassay endpoints, (anti)oestrogenic and (anti)androgenic activities were selected because are the most studied endocrine activities. A total of 24 articles were ultimately included in this review. Despite evidences are still scarce, the results showed that PM can induce oestrogenic, antioestrogenic, androgenic and antiandrogenic effects, suggesting that PM has an endocrine disrupting potential that should be considered because it could represent a further source of exposure to EDs. Although it is difficult to estimate how much inhalation can contribute to the total burden of EDs, endocrine activity of PM may increase the human health risk. Finally, the results pointed out that the overall endocrine activity is difficult to predict from the concentrations of individual pollutants, so the assessment using bioassays could be a valuable additional tool to quantify the health risk posed by EDs in air.

Determination of hexavalent chromium in textiles of daily use by ion chromatography and dermal risk assessment.

The determination of hexavalent chromium in textiles and clothes is challenging since during extraction, the original oxidation state should not be altered. Since, as a matter of fact, current analytical methods are focused only on total chromium determination, the purpose of this research is to develop a reliable analytical method for the determination of Cr(VI) in textiles and tissues of daily use for a reliable application of risk analysis models, which are usually based on total Cr data. After optimization, a 0.0025 M Na3PO4 extraction solution was selected for the extraction of Cr(VI) from textiles. This solution minimizes possible interconversion redox reactions and interference, and provides good extraction recoveries (88.4 ± 2.5% - 105.5 ± 0.6 %, according to Cr(VI) concentration) and quantitation limits (0.017 mg/kg), fully complying the current limits set for Cr(VI) in textiles in contact with skin, and for leachable Cr(VI). The developed method was validated investigating intra-day repeatability (n = 10) and inter-day repeatability (n = 30) which were below 12%, and matrix effect which was below 6% confirming the precision of the method and the negligibility of a matrix interference during the whole analysis. The method, which was proved to be suited also for bioaccessibility studies in saliva and sweat, was applied to the analysis of tank top, coloured paper napkin, polyamide tights, panties, highlighting Cr(VI) content in the panties only at very low concentration (0.028 mg/kg). As verified by ECHA and US EPA approaches, this amount does not pose a non-carcinogenic risk for human health. As regards carcinogenic risk, considering both adult and child exposure, the dermal contact with the panties poses an acceptable risk (R ≤ 10-6).

Who chooses alternative sources of information about childhood vaccinations? A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Vaccine hesitancy can lead to problematic outcomes in terms of public health. A factor playing a fundamental role in this dynamic is the source of information considered by parents in the decision-making progress that leads to the acceptance or refusal of childhood vaccinations. This study aims to investigate the sources of information considered by the parents of children attending primary and secondary schools in two large Italian cities and to identify predictors that led to choosing alternative sources of information. Methods: An online questionnaire was administered to the parents of students attending elementary, middle, and high schools in Rome and Turin. Two validated tools were used: the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines Survey and the Vaccine Health Literacy of adults in Italian. Sources of information about vaccinations, trust toward the healthcare system, hesitancy and attitudes about COVID-19 vaccinations, were also investigated. A multivariable logistic regression model was built to identify predictors of the preferred sources of information on the topic. Results: Totally, 2,301 answers to the survey were collected from June to October 2021. Of these, 1,127 came from parents in Rome (49%) and 1,174 from parents based in Turin (51%) with a mean age of 47.7 years (±6.4). The majority of the respondents were mothers (81%), married (73%), with two or more children (70.5%). The multivariable logistic regression model results showed that fathers were more inclined than mothers to use alternative sources of information (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.29-2.00). Moreover, a higher level of vaccine hesitancy was a strong predictor for choosing alternative sources of information (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.73-3.46). The HLVa-it scores show that parents with a lower Vaccine Literacy (VL) were more inclined to use alternative sources of information. Discussion: Addressing health literacy issues and changing the official forms of communication could help improving vaccine acceptance. This study shows the importance of rebuilding a trusting relationship between patients and health care providers, which is fundamental in the fight against vaccine hesitancy.

Can oestrogenic activity in air contribute to the overall body burden of endocrine disruptors?

Endocrine disruptors (EDCs) are emerging contaminants that are harmful to health. Human exposure occurs mainly through ingestion or dermal contact, but inhalation could be an additional exposure route; therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the oestrogenic activity of airborne particulate matter (PM). Outdoor PM was collected for a year in five Italian sites and extracted with organic solvents (four seasonal extracts/site). The oestrogenic activity was assessed using a gene reporter assay (MELN), and the risk to human health through inhalation was quantified using the results. Moreover, extracts were analysed to assess cytotoxicity (WST-1 and LDH assays) on human bronchial cells (BEAS-2B). The extracts induced a significant cytotoxicity and oestrogenic activity. Oestrogenic activity showed a seasonal trend and was correlated with concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene and toxic equivalency factor. Although a low inhalation cancer risk was found, this study confirmed that oestrogenic activity in air could contribute to overall health risks due to EDC exposure.

Biological effects of particulate matter samples during the COVID-19 pandemic: a comparison with the pre-lockdown period in Northwest Italy.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, containment measures were applied inducing potential changes in air pollutant concentrations and thus in air toxicity. This study evaluates the role of restrictions on biological effects of particulate matter (PM) in different Northwest Italy sites: urban background, urban traffic, rural, and incinerator. Daily PM samples collected in 2020 were pooled according to restrictions: January/February (no restrictions), March and April (first lockdown), May/June and July/August/September (low restrictions), October/November/December (second lockdown). The 2019 samples (pre-pandemic period) were pooled as 2020 for comparison. Pools were extracted with organic solvents and extracts were tested to assess cytotoxicity (WST-1 assay) and genotoxicity (comet assay) on BEAS-2B cells, mutagenicity (Ames test) on TA98 and TA100 Salmonella typhimurium strains, and estrogenic activity (gene reporter assay) on MELN cells. Pollutant concentrations were also analyzed (PM10, PM2.5, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). No difference was observed for PM and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations between 2020 and 2019. During lockdown months (2020), PM cytotoxicity/genotoxicity was significantly lower in some sites than during 2019, while considering PM mutagenicity/estrogenic activity some differences were detected but without statistical significance. PM extract effects decreased in some sites during 2020; this may be due to lockdowns that reduced/modified pollutant emissions and may be related also to complex PM origin/formation and to meteorological conditions. In conclusion, the study confirms that PM biological effects cannot be assessed considering only the PM concentration and suggests to include a battery of bioassay for air quality monitoring in order to protect human health from air pollution effects. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11869-023-01381-6.

The Environmental Health Literacy of Italian General Population: The SPeRA Cross-Sectional Study.

Environmental health literacy (EHL) includes knowledge of health effects due to environmental exposure and skills to protect health from environmental risks. This study investigated some aspects about EHL of the Italian adult population. Data were collected through questionnaires (n = 672) and analysed through multivariable logistic regression models. Results showed that participants with incomplete/insufficient self-perceived knowledge of health effects due to environmental risks verified less information about this topic (adjOR = 0.38 (CI95% 0.25-0.59)/0.09 (0.04-0.21); p < 0.001/<0.001), potentially spreading fake news. The self-perceived exposure to pollution was higher in participants living in towns than in rural areas (small, medium, big towns adjOR = 2.37 (1.41-3.97), 2.10 (1.11-3.96), 3.11 (1.53-6.31); p = 0.001, 0.022, 0.002) and lower in participants with incomplete/insufficient knowledge about pollution effects (adjOR = 0.54 (0.32-0.92)/0.30 (0.13-0.67); p = 0.022/0.004), confirming that knowledge is essential to achieve awareness. Since insufficient self-perceived knowledge of pollution effects was negatively associated with the adoption of pro-environmental behaviours (adjOR = 0.37 (0.15-0.90); p = 0.028), EHL was proven to be a virtuous behaviour promoter. Finally, a lack of institutional support, time and cost were identified as barriers to pro-environmental behaviours. This study provided useful data to design prevention programmes, underlined some barriers to pro-environmental behaviours and highlighted the need to promote attitudes and behaviours aimed at contrasting environmental pollution, thus protecting human health.

Genotoxic effects of particulate matter on larvae of a common and widespread butterfly along an urbanization gradient.

Biodiversity is currently declining worldwide. Several threats have been identified such as habitat loss and climate change. It is unknown if and how air pollution can work in addition or in synergy to these threats, contributing to the decline of current species and/or local extinction. Few studies have investigated the effects of particulate matter (PM), the main component of air pollution, on insects, and no studies have investigated its genotoxic effects through Micronucleus assay. Butterflies play an important role in the environment, as herbivores during larval stages, and as pollinators as adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic effects of PM10 from different sites along a gradient of population urbanization, on a common cabbage butterfly species (Pieris brassicae). PM10 was collected from April to September in an urban (Turin, Italy), a suburban (Druento, Italy) and a mountain site (Ceresole Reale, Italy) with different urbanization levels. P. brassicae larvae (n = 218) were reared in the laboratory under controlled conditions (26 °C, L:D 15:9) on cabbage plants (average 9.2 days), and they were exposed to PM10 organic extracts (20 and 40 m3/mL) or dimethyl sulfoxide (controls) through vaporization. After exposure, larvae were dissected and cells were used for the Micronucleus (MN) assay. Results showed that all PM extracts induced significant DNA damage in exposed larvae compared to controls, and that increasing the PM dose (from 20 to 40 m3/mL) increased genotoxic effects. However, we did not detect any significant differences between sites with different urbanization levels. In conclusion, PM at different concentrations induced genotoxic effects on larvae of a common butterfly species. More alarmingly, PM could work in addition to and/or in synergy with other compounds (e.g. pesticides) and, especially on species already threatened by other factors (e.g. fragmentation), thus affecting the vitality of populations, leading to local extinctions.

Training for Food Handlers at Production Level in Italian Regions.

Food safety has always been a public health challenge. Globally, food safety control is supported by laws and preventive measures, such as inspections conducted from primary production to market, "from farm to fork" as emphasized by the European Union and training of Food Handlers (FHs). This latter preventive measure plays a very important role, and for this reason a review of training courses regulations provided in the different Italian regions was conducted. Analysis of the results shows that the Italian regions approach this issue in different ways: some regions provide only general guidelines, while others offer detailed instructions. The most significant differences concern the topics dealt with, the stakeholders, the staff training and the verification of results; topics such as allergens and gluten are often absent. More detailed guidelines tailored to fit the local scenario could provide better support to FHs, thus leading to real changes in their behaviors and mindsets and promoting the development of an actual "prevention culture".

Cabbage butterfly as bioindicator species to investigate the genotoxic effects of PM10.

Atmospheric pollution poses a serious threat to environment and human health, and particulate matter (PM) is one of the major contributors. Biological effects induced by PM are investigated through in vitro assays using cells and by in vivo tests with laboratory model animals. However, also the estimation of adverse effects of pollutants, including airborne ones, on wild animals, such as insects, is an essential component of environmental risk assessment. Among insects, butterflies are sensitive to environmental changes and are important wild pollinators, so they might be suitable as environmental bioindicator species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of a wild cabbage butterfly species (Pieris brassicae) as a bioindicator organism to assess the genotoxic effects of PM10 collected in different sites. PM10 was collected from April to September in urban, suburban, and rural sites. P. brassicae larvae were reared in laboratory under controlled conditions on cabbage plants and exposed to PM10 organic extracts or dimethyl sulfoxide (controls) through vaporization. After exposure, larvae were dissected, and cells were used for comet assay. All PM extracts induced significant DNA damage in exposed larvae compared to controls and the extract collected in the most polluted site caused the highest genotoxic effect. In conclusion, the study suggested that butterflies, such as P. brassicae, could be applied as sensitive and promising bioindicators to investigate air quality and PM genotoxicity. Indeed, the use of these organisms allows the detection of genotoxic effects induced by PM sampled also in low-polluted areas.

Assessment of Five Pesticides as Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: Effects on Estrogen Receptors and Aromatase.

Pesticides are widely applied all over the world, and pesticide exposure can induce different biological effects posing a possible threat to human health. Due to their effects on the endocrine system, some pesticides are classified as endocrine disruptors. The aim of the study is to assess the interference of five pesticides on estrogen biosynthesis and estrogen signaling. Three neonicotinoid insecticides (Acetamiprid, Clothianidin, and Thiamethoxam), a carbamate insecticide (Methiocarb) and a herbicide (Oxadiazon) were tested. The effect of pesticides on estrogen biosynthesis was studied through an ELISA assay using a recombinant form of human aromatase, the enzyme that catalyzes the transformation of androgens to estrogens. Moreover, the effect of pesticides on estrogen signaling was assessed using a gene reporter assay on MELN cells, which measures estrogen receptor-mediated estrogenic activity. The results of the ELISA assay showed that the pesticides did not alter aromatase activity (no interference with estrogen biosynthesis), while the results of the gene reporter assay showed that only Methiocarb was able to alter estrogen signaling at high doses. The estrogenic activity of Methiocarb, expressed as 17ß-estradiol equivalency factor (EEF), was equal to 8.0 × 10-8. In conclusion, this study suggested that Methiocarb should be considered a potential endocrine disruptor.

Oestrogenic Activity in Girls with Signs of Precocious Puberty as Exposure Biomarker to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: A Pilot Study.

The relationship between endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) exposure and Precocious Puberty (PP) was investigated in this pilot study, involving girls with signs of PP (P) and pre-pubertal girls (C). Risk factors for PP were assessed through questionnaires, while 17ß-oestradiol (E2) levels and oestrogenic activity were quantified on sera. The oestrogenic activity, expressed as E2 equivalent concentration (EEQ), was applied as EDC exposure biomarker. Questionnaires showed a low EDC knowledge, a high EDC exposure, and a potential relationship between some habits at risk for EDC exposure and PP. EEQs were similar between C and P; however, they were significantly higher in girls living in an urban environment than in girls living in a rural environment, suggesting a potential higher EDC exposure in cities. The results of this pilot study highlighted the need to raise awareness on EDCs and can be considered a starting point to clarify the relationship between EDC exposure and PP.

In Vitro Effects of Particulate Matter Associated with a Wildland Fire in the North-West of Italy.

Wildland fires, increasing in recent decades in the Mediterranean region due to climate change, can contribute to PM levels and composition. This study aimed to investigate biological effects of PM2.5 (Ø < 2.5 µm) and PM10 (Ø < 10 µm) collected near a fire occurred in the North-West of Italy in 2017 and in three other areas (urban and rural areas). Organic extracts were assessed for mutagenicity using Ames test (TA98 and TA100 strains), cell viability (WST-1 and LDH assays) and genotoxicity (Comet assay) with human bronchial cells (BEAS-2B) and estrogenic activity using a gene reporter assay (MELN cells). In all sites, high levels of PM10 and PM2.5 were measured during the fire suggesting that near and distant sites were influenced by fire pollutants. The PM10 and PM2.5 extracts induced a significant mutagenicity in all sites and the mutagenic effect was increased with respect to historical data. All extracts induced a slight increase of the estrogenic activity but a possible antagonistic activity of PM samples collected near fire was observed. No cytotoxicity or DNA damage was detected. Results confirm that fires could be relevant for human health, since they can worsen the air quality increasing PM concentrations, mutagenic and estrogenic effects.

Pro-Environmental Behaviors: Determinants and Obstacles among Italian University Students.

The awareness of citizens concerning the health risks caused by environmental pollution is growing, but studies on determinants of pro-environmental behaviors have rarely examined health-related aspects. In this study, we investigated these determinants using data from a large survey among Italian university students (15 Universities: 4778 filled questionnaires). Besides the health-related aspects, represented by environmental health risk perception and functional health literacy, we considered social and demographic characteristics (gender, area of residence, sources of information, trust in institutional and non-institutional subjects, and students' capacity of positive actions, indicated as internal locus of control). The attitudes towards pro-environmental behaviors were positive for more than 70% of students and positively related with health risk perception, internal locus of control, and health literacy. The correspondence between the positive attitudes towards pro-environmental behaviors and the real adoption of such behaviors was approximately 20% for most behaviors, except for the separate collection of waste (60%). Such a discrepancy can be attributable to external obstacles (i.e., lack of time, costs, lack of support). The health-related aspects were linked to the pro-environmental attitudes, but to a lesser extent to pro-environmental behaviors, owing to the complexity of their determinants. However, they should be taken in account in planning education interventions.

The North-western Italy air quality monitoring network: Improving experience of PM2.5 assessment with mutagenicity assay.

The finest fraction of Particulate Matter (PM2.5) carries a large number of pollutants, some of which are assessed as genotoxic, such as some Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). In many countries, PM2.5 in combination with some PAHs are monitored to assess the concentrations of pollutants, while the air quality is rarely assessed by means of biological assays. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a significant correlation between these two pollutants and human adverse effects, in particular on the respiratory system. Nevertheless, other air pollutants can induce a biological effect and the cumulative effect of the PM2.5 complex mixture may not be easily deduced by PM2.5 and PAH levels. This study aimed to combine the legislative monitoring of PM2.5 with the study of its mutagenicity. During a full year, daily air samples were collected in nine sites of the North-western Italy air quality monitoring network (Piedmont Region) and PM2.5 and PAH concentrations were assessed. Monthly pooled organic extracts were tested with the Salmonella assay using TA98 and TA100 strains, with and without metabolic activation (±S9), and using TA98NR and YG1021 strains. In all sites, a positive response was observed for TA98 and TA100 especially without S9. A significant mutagenic seasonal variation was detected, with higher mutagenicity in winter and lower responses in summer (average total mutagenicity ratio 27:1). The response of TA98NR and YG1021 compared with TA98 suggested a significant contribution of nitro-compounds to the mutagenicity. No significant differences were found between urban background and rural sites denoting the spread of pollution. A mutagenicity increase, 1.28 Total Mutagenicity Factor/20 m3, was observed for each PM2.5 µg increment. PAH levels and corresponding Toxic Equivalent Factors were highly correlated to mutagenicity results. This work confirms that complex environmental mixtures can be appropriately assessed through the implementation of physical-chemical analyzes with bioassays able to evaluate synergistic and antagonistic effects, especially for highest and lowest pollution settings.

Estrogenic activity of biological samples as a biomarker.

Biological assays can evaluate the cumulative effect of a mixture, considering synergistic/antagonistic interactions and effects of unknown/unconsidered compounds. Therefore, their application could increase in the next years also to analyse biological samples. The aim of this review is to discuss the methodological approach and the application of estrogenic activity assays in human biological samples. 75 research articles were analysed and divided according to whether they used these assays: i) to quantify the level of estrogens and/or as a biomarker of estrogenic status ii) as a biomarker of exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). For the first purpose, some authors extracted biological samples while others tested them directly without any treatment. The study of these methodologies outlined that the methodology applied influenced the specificity of analysis. The estrogenic activity biomarker was used to analyse physiological variations of estrogens, pediatric diseases, hormone-dependent diseases and estrogen suppression/enhancement after pharmaceutical treatments. For the second purpose, some authors extracted samples while others tested them directly, some authors divided endogenous estrogens from xenoestrogens while others tested samples without separation. The analysis of these methodologies outlined some limitations related to the efficiency of extraction and the incorrect separation of some compounds. The studies which applied this EDC biomarker showed that it was correlated with some EDCs, it varied according to the exposure of the population and it allowed the identification of some relationships between EDC exposure and breast cancer, type 1 diabetes and adverse health effects on children. In conclusion, the estrogenic activity of biological samples can be a useful tool: to quantify low levels of 17ß-estradiol, to assess the combined effect of endogenous estrogens and xenoestrogens, to estimate the estrogenic status providing considerable insight into physiological or pathological conditions, to evaluate EDC presence implementing the existing knowledge about EDC exposure and adverse health effects.

Molecular Basis for Endocrine Disruption by Pesticides Targeting Aromatase and Estrogen Receptor.

The intensive use of pesticides has led to their increasing presence in water, soil, and agricultural products. Mounting evidence indicates that some pesticides may be endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), being therefore harmful for the human health and the environment. In this study, three pesticides, glyphosate, thiacloprid, and imidacloprid, were tested for their ability to interfere with estrogen biosynthesis and/or signaling, to evaluate their potential action as EDCs. Among the tested compounds, only glyphosate inhibited aromatase activity (up to 30%) via a non-competitive inhibition or a mixed inhibition mechanism depending on the concentration applied. Then, the ability of the three pesticides to induce an estrogenic activity was tested in MELN cells. When compared to 17ß-estradiol, thiacloprid and imidacloprid induced an estrogenic activity at the highest concentrations tested with a relative potency of 5.4 × 10-10 and 3.7 × 10-9, respectively. Molecular dynamics and docking simulations predicted the potential binding sites and the binding mode of the three pesticides on the structure of the two key targets, providing a rational for their mechanism as EDCs. The results demonstrate that the three pesticides are potential EDCs as glyphosate acts as an aromatase inhibitor, whereas imidacloprid and thiacloprid can interfere with estrogen induced signaling.

Ecofriendly laccases treatment to challenge micropollutants issue in municipal wastewaters.

In this study, a multidisciplinary approach investigated the enzymatic degradation of micropollutants in real, not modified, municipal wastewaters of a plant located in Italy. Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction combined to Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometric detection (SBSE-GC-MS) was applied to profile targeted pollutants in wastewaters collected after the primary sedimentation (W1) and the final effluent (W2). Fifteen compounds were detected at ng/L - µg/L, including pesticides, personal care products (PCPs) and drugs. The most abundant micropollutants were bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, diethyl phthalate and ketoprofen. Laccases of Trametes pubescens MUT 2400 were very active against all the target micropollutants: except few cases, their concentration was reduced more than 60%. Chemical analysis and environmental risk do not always come together. To verify whether the treated wastewaters can represent a stressor for the aquatic ecosystem, toxicity was also evaluated. Raphidocelis subcapitata and Lepidium sativum tests showed a clear ecotoxicity reduction, even though they did not evenly respond. Two in vitro tests (E-screen test and MELN assay) were used to evaluate the estrogenic activity. Treatments already operating in the plant (e.g. activated sludge) partially reduced the estradiol equivalent concentration, and it was almost negligible after the laccases treatment. The results of this study suggest that laccases of T. pubescens are promising biocatalysts for the micropollutants transformation in wastewaters and surface waters.

Environment and health: Risk perception and its determinants among Italian university students.

Among the determinants of environmental health risk perception, health literacy and social media messages have been generally neglected. This study details the environmental health risk perception and its determinants in Italian university students, including a measure of functional health literacy and an analysis of newspapers and social media. A cross sectional survey was carried out among students from 15 Italian universities and different disciplines (grouped into Scientific-Health and Humanistic-Legal-Social sectors) using a self-administered anonymous questionnaire, divided into six sections: socio-demographic characteristics, information on health and environment, environmental health risk perception, trust, attitudes and behaviors and functional health literacy. Local newspapers and tweets in the same areas and period were analyzed in relation to quantity and topics. The study population included 4778 students (65.1% female) aged 21 ±â€¯4.3 years, and functional health literacy was low (below the cutoff value) for 44.4% of students. A new outcome of the survey is that the detected association between high functional health literacy a higher global health risk perception and trust in institutions both as sources of information and as actors for protection against environmental risks. The internet and social networks were the most frequently consulted sources of information (77.7%), which was predictive of a higher risk perception. The possible relation between environmental health risk perception and tweet communication was highlighted by a comparison between the risk perception in the city with the highest number of tweets (Modena) and another one similar for socio-demographic characteristics (Pisa). In conclusion, the results of our study may be of help to strengthen information and education programs: functional health literacy should be taken into account in school programs, to produce a basic knowledge for a better understanding of health and environment. Moreover, mass and social media should be included in planning communication intervention and in verifying their results.

Shape-engineered titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs): cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in bronchial epithelial cells.

The aim of this study was to evaluate cytotoxicity (WST-1 assay), LDH release (LDH assay) and genotoxicity (Comet assay) of three engineered TiO2-NPs with different shapes (bipyramids, rods, platelets) in comparison with two commercial TiO2-NPs (P25, food grade). After NPs characterization (SEM/T-SEM and DLS), biological effects of NPs were assessed on BEAS-2B cells in presence/absence of light. The cellular uptake of NPs was analyzed using Raman spectroscopy. The cytotoxic effects were mostly slight. After light exposure, the largest cytotoxicity (WST-1 assay) was observed for rods; P25, bipyramids and platelets showed a similar effect; no effect was induced by food grade. No LDH release was detected, confirming the low effect on plasma membrane. Food grade and platelets induced direct genotoxicity while P25, food grade and platelets caused oxidative DNA damage. No genotoxic or oxidative damage was induced by bipyramids and rods. Biological effects were overall lower in darkness than after light exposure. Considering that only food grade, P25 and platelets (more agglomerated) were internalized by cells, the uptake resulted correlated with genotoxicity. In conclusion, cytotoxicity of NPs was low and affected by shape and light exposure, while genotoxicity was influenced by cellular-uptake and aggregation tendency.