COVID-19 outbreaks in hospital workers during the first COVID-19 wave.

BACKGROUND: Health care workers (HCWs) are on the frontline, playing a crucial role in the prevention of infection and treatment of patients. AIMS: This study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of hospital-acquired coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection at work and related factors at the University Hospital of Trieste workers exposed to COVID-19 patients. METHODS: From March 1 to May 31, of 4216 employees, 963 were in contact with COVID-19 patients or colleagues and were followed up. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in nasopharyngeal swabs was determined every 3 days, by RT-PCR. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, 193 workers were positive for COVID-19 (5%), and 165 of these (86%) were symptomatic. We identified five major cluster outbreaks of COVID-19 infection in Trieste Hospitals, four of which occurred before the implementation of universal masking for HCWs and patients (1-14 March 2020). COVID-19 infection was significantly higher in high-risk ward workers (Infectious Diseases, and Geriatric and Emergency Medicine, odds ratio [OR] 13.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.8-31), in subjects with symptoms (OR 5.4; 95% CI 2.9-10) and in those with contacts with COVID-19 patients and colleagues (OR 2.23; 95% CI 1.01-4.9). CONCLUSIONS: Hospital workers were commonly infected due to contact with COVID-19 patients and colleagues, mainly in the first 15 days of the pandemic, before the implementation of universal mask wearing of HCWs and patients. Repetitive testing and follow-up permitted the identification of COVID-19 cases before symptom onset, obtaining better infection prevention and control.

Integrative assessment of the ecological risk of heavy metals in a South American estuary under human pressures.

Biomonitoring of heavy metal pollution through the use of biomarkers could be a difficult task since the organisms' physiological changes could shift regarding natural factors (i.e., the season of the year) and due to the anthropogenic pressures of the environment. In the Southwest Atlantic Ocean, where most industrial and developing countries are settled, it is essential to address these concerns to generate information for the stakeholders and monitoring programs that aim to use biochemical biomarkers as early warning signals to detect heavy metal pollution. The present study intended to determinate the heavy metal concentrations in sediments and the hepatopancreas of the crab species Neohelice granulata as well as the ecological risk through the use of biomarkers and geochemical indices in sites with different anthropogenic pressures of the Bahía Blanca estuary (SW Atlantic Ocean) during the warm and cold season. The results showed low to moderate heavy metal pollution in the sediments by Cu with possible effects on the biota in a site with sewage waters' discharges. Except for GST that was explained by Cd, the biomarkers employed were not useful to assess spatial heavy metal pollution, and they might be ruled out by physiological seasonal variations rather than anthropogenic constraints, or another type of pollutants in the area.

Effects of Chlorpyrifos Over Reproductive Traits of Three Sympatric Freshwater Crustaceans.

The exposure to environmentally relevant chlorpyrifos concentrations (0.03, 0.06 and 0.12 µg chlorpyrifos L-1) causes increases in precopulatory guardian behavior time, amplexus reformulation after exposure and in the number of ovigerous females in the amphipod Hyalella curvispina. Effects in incubation period, effective hatching and median lethal concentration on the decapods Macrobrachium borellii and Aegla uruguayana, both in adults and embryos, were achieved at higher concentrations than those found in the environment. Environmentally relevant chlorpyrifos concentrations appear not to affect decapods but several effects in reproductive traits of amphipods were observed.

Are Oxidative Stress Biomarkers Sensitive to Environmental Concentrations of Chlorpyrifos Exposed to the Freshwater Crab, Zilchiopsis collastinensis (Decapoda; Trichodactylidae)?

Global trends in pesticide use can increase aquatic pollution and affect resident fisheries. Crabs exposed to organophosphate pesticides, such as chlorpyrifos, may increase production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), affecting the pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance. Zichiopsis collastinensis crabs were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of chlorpyrifos (0.1 and 0.5 µg L-1). Effects on the oxidative stress enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferases, glutathione reductase, and on thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and hydrogen peroxide concentrations were evaluated at four intervals during 96 h exposures. Exposures caused decreased GST activity and increased H2O2 levels in gills. There were modifications of GST, CAT and SOD activities in the hepatopancreas after 12 h of exposure, and an increase of H2O2 levels at every exposure interval observed. The present study proved that chlorpyrifos lead to oxidative stress in Z. collastinensis. However other enzymatic/non-enzymatic responses should be further investigated in order to be included as part of a battery of biomarkers, together with H2O2 levels, which is a parameter highly recommended to be taken into account.

Histopathological effects of chlorpyrifos on the gills, hepatopancreas and gonads of the freshwater crab Zilchiopsis collastinensis. Persistent effects after exposure.

Sublethal effects of the pesticide chlorpyrifos were evaluated in the crab Zilchiopsis collastinensis (Decapoda, Trichodactylidae). Crabs were exposed to high concentrations of chlorpyrifos at the beginning of the experiment and controlled dilution, under natural light and temperature conditions. A control and three concentrations (22.4, 41.25 and 61.4µg chlorpyrifos L-1) were evaluated in triplicate. Nine crabs per concentration and day were used. The gills, hepatopancreas and ovaries were sampled before pesticide exposure (day 0) and 8, 15 and 22 days later, when concentrations were diluted and below the detection limits. The histopathological effects and their variations in time were observed and quantified. In gills, hyperplasias were observed in several cases, mainly in crabs exposed to chlorpyrifos. The number of collapsed lamellae and the number of affected lamellae quickly increased in exposed crabs, as effects were observed on day 8 and remained until day 22. In hepatopancreas there was an increase in the number of F and B -cells and affected tubules, especially after 22 days of exposure (p<0.05). In ovaries, there were no effects on gonadosomatic indexes or oocyte volume, but there was a significant increase in the atretic oocyte proportion related to pesticide exposure (p<0.05). The histopathological effects on the gills, hepatopancreas and ovaries were observed after exposure and persist even after dilution, and might be related to earlier exposures. Thus, these histopathological effects might be used as pesticide biomarkers even after the pesticide is not detected by chemical methods.

Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal pain in workers.

Background: The serum level of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) has been suggested as a biological marker of stress. Aims: To assess the association between serum DHEA-S, psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal (MS) pain in university workers. Methods: The study population included voluntary workers at the scientific departments of the University of Trieste (Italy) who underwent periodical health surveillance from January 2011 to June 2012. DHEA-S level was analysed in serum. The assessment tools included the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and a modified Nordic musculoskeletal symptoms questionnaire. The relation between DHEA-S, individual characteristics, pain perception and psychological factors was assessed by means of multivariable linear regression analysis. Results: There were 189 study participants. The study population was characterized by high reward and low effort. Pain perception in the neck, shoulder, upper limbs, upper back and lower back was reported by 42, 32, 19, 29 and 43% of people, respectively. In multivariable regression analysis, gender, age and pain perception in the shoulder and upper limbs were significantly related to serum DHEA-S. Effort and overcommitment were related to shoulder and neck pain but not to DHEA-S. The GHQ score was associated with pain perception in different body sites and inversely to DHEA-S but significance was lost in multivariable regression analysis. Conclusions: DHEA-S was associated with age, gender and perception of MS pain, while effort-reward imbalance dimensions and GHQ score failed to reach the statistical significance in multivariable regression analysis.

Histopathological effects of endosulfan to hepatopancreas, gills and ovary of the freshwater crab Zilchiopsis collastinensis (Decapoda: Trichodactylidae).

In this work, the effects of a pulse exposure of endosulfan on hepatopancreas, gills and ovary of the burrowing crab Zilchiopsis collastinensis were evaluated. The crabs were exposed to three sublethal concentrations in a pulse system with controlled dilutions. Water samples for pesticide concentrations measurements and crab tissue samples were taken when applications were made and 2, 8, 15 and 22 days after administering the pesticide. The exposure to endosulfan caused an increase in B cell number and a decrease in F and R cell number (p<0.05). Necrotic tubules, abnormal lumen and other histopathologies were observed in the hepatopancreas of crabs exposed to endosulfan. There was an increase in the proportion of collapsed gills caused by endosulfan effects. Other effects as hyperplasia were also observed. There were no changes in the gonadosomatic index of exposed crabs; however there were changes in the volume of oocytes of exposed crabs in certain days (p<0.05). The increase in B cell number and the consequent reduction in F cell number may be related to the detoxification processes. The changes in cell number within the hepatopancreas and the histopathologies observed both in hepatopancreas and gills might be used as endosulfan exposure indicators.

[Musculoskeletal pain and perceived stress in civil servants]. / Sintomatologia osteoarticolare e stress in lavoratori del pubblico impiego.

UNLABELLED: «Muskuloskeletal pain and perceived stress in civil servants¼. BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal pain is the most important symptom reported in many occupations causing disability and long-term sick absence. Epidemiological research has linked this symptom to physical activities in the workplace but also to psychosocial factors, than can increase pain perception. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate pain perception, psychosocial factors and stress in 413 workers in hospitals compared to 294 white collar workers at University of Trieste. METHODS: The study population included workers who underwent periodical health surveillance from 20th of January, 2011 to 20th of June 2012. Psychosocial factors were evaluated using the Siegrist Effort Reward Imbalance Questionnaire, and depression and anxiety by means of the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Pain perception in different body sites was reported on a visual numeric scale 0-10. The relation between pain perception in different body sites, individual characteristics, work tasks and psychosocial/psychological factors was assessed by means of multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The study population was characterized by low Effort and good Reward. In the multivariate linear regression pain perception was significantly related to age, to female sex in neck (OR=1.63; CI95% 1.13-2.34) and shoulder (OR=2.18; CI95% 1.49-3.2) pain and to Effort in all sites while occupational exposure as health care workers was significantly associated to higher pain in upper limbs (OR=1.76; CI95% 1.11-2.8) and low back (OR=1.73; CI95% 1.21-2.49). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that psychosocial factors can have an important role in pain perception in all body sites suggesting the need to consider these factors together with physical exposures in workplaces.

The presence of an audience modulates responses to familiar call stimuli in the male zebra finch forebrain.

The ability to recognize familiar individuals is crucial for establishing social relationships. The zebra finch, a highly social songbird species that forms lifelong pair bonds, uses a vocalization, the distance call, to identify its mate. However, in males, this ability depends on social conditions, requiring the presence of an audience. To evaluate whether the presence of bystanders modulates the auditory processing underlying recognition abilities, we assessed, by using a lightweight telemetry system, whether electrophysiological responses driven by familiar and unfamiliar female calls in a high-level auditory area [the caudomedial nidopallium (NCM)] were modulated by the presence of conspecific males. Males had experienced the call of their mate for several months and the call of a familiar female for several days. When they were exposed to female calls in the presence of two male conspecifics, NCM neurons showed greater responses to the playback of familiar female calls, including the mate's call, than to unfamiliar ones. In contrast, no such discrimination was observed in males when they were alone or when call-evoked responses were collected under anaesthesia. Together, these results suggest that NCM neuronal activity is profoundly influenced by social conditions, providing new evidence that the properties of NCM neurons are not simply determined by the acoustic structure of auditory stimuli. They also show that neurons in the NCM form part of a network that can be shaped by experience and that probably plays an important role in the emergence of communication sound recognition.

Effects of chlorpyrifos and endosulfan on different life stages of the freshwater burrowing crab Zilchiopsis collastinensis P.: protective role of chorion.

The lethality (LC50) of endosulfan and chlorpyrifos is higher in adults (1990 and 156.78 µg/L respectively) than in embryos (95380 and 1242.54 µg/L respectively) of the crab Zilchiopsis collastinensis. The thickened embryonic coat of the freshwater species might isolate the embryo inside the egg, reducing the toxicity. Sublethal concentrations of chlorpyrifos and endosulfan caused an increase in hatching time and a decrease in effective hatching (p < 0.05), and only the control crabs survived until the first molt cycle. The effects of long-term exposure should be evaluated in the offspring in addition to the acute toxicity.

Dataset for facilitating the calculation of aspect ratio of fibrillated cellulose suspensions based on gel point data.

This article describes data related to the research paper "Simplification of gel point characterization of cellulose nano and microfiber suspensions" [1]. The characterization of fibrillated celluloses that include cellulose nano and microfibrils (CMNFs) is a challenge for their production on an industrial scale, requiring easy techniques that control their quality and reproducibility. Gel point is a convenient parameter commonly used to estimate the aspect ratio (AR) of CMNFs. However, this estimation requires many sedimentation experiments, which are tedious and time consuming. The dataset includes all information related to the traditional experiments and to the simplified experiments for estimating gel point and AR based on only one sedimentation experiment. The full data set is useful to select the initial concentration to carry out the experimentation. This dataset also includes the information for the validation of the proposed simplified methodology and shows that the errors are lower than 7% for the gel point calculation and of 3% for the AR estimation. A larger databased of nanocellulose suspensions can be built with the reuse of this data to allow the estimation of nanocellulose properties in a future.

Cost of reproduction. Changes in metabolism and endosulfan lethality caused by reproductive behavior in Hyalella curvispina (Crustacea: Amphipoda).

Biocides are periodically applied in agricultural activities, reaching aquatic systems and acting upon the biota. Amphipods are widely used in toxicity tests because of their sensitivity to a wide range of pollutants. In this work, we report the differential lethality of a widely used pesticide, endosulfan, on the amphipod Hyalella curvispina at two life stages and in three different adult groups, males and females separated by sex and both sexes grouped together. In addition, oxygen consumption of adult groups was determined as a way to estimate the role of behavioral activities and exposure to endosulfan in metabolism shifts. There were no differences between the LC(50) of juveniles and the adults when they were separated by sex (p>0.05). Nevertheless, the LC(50) of adults without sexual differentiation was significantly lower than the LC(50) of juveniles and adults separated by sex (p<0.05). The oxygen consumption rate was higher when adults were grouped without sexual differentiation in the control group. The exposure to low concentrations of endosulfan causes an increase in oxygen consumption in all the treatments. The sexual behavior increased the metabolism and the sensitivity to endosulfan. In future evaluations, adults grouped without sexual differentiation, which were the most sensitive group, should be included in order to mimic the environmental conditions. Using only juveniles or adults separated by sex in toxicity tests may inaccurately estimate the lethality of biocides, especially in species with constant reproductive activities.

[Autopsy findings and pleural plaques in the Malignant Mesothelioma (MM) Regional Register of Friuli-Venezia-Giulia]. / Riscontri autoptici e placche pleuriche nel Registro Mesoteliomi della Regione Friuli Venezia Giulia.

AIMS: To describe the cases of MM that occurred in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region in the period 1995-2009 and evaluate the diagnostic contribution of autopsy findings. METHODS: Via the Regional Register a search for MM cases was made following standardized criteria for diagnosis and past asbestos exposure assessment. Pleural plaques were identified by autopsy findings; the relationship between presence of pleural plaques and assessment of past asbestos exposure was analyzed. RESULTS: 834 cases of MM were recorded and 458 autopsy findings were available; for 142 cases (15% of males and 23% of women) the first diagnosis was made at autopsy. Data were available on previous asbestos exposure in 91% (416 subjects) of cases with autopsy findings: 255 had "certain occupational exposure" (group 1), 116 "other occupational and non- occupational exposure" (group 2), 45 "negative and unknown exposure" (group 3). Logistic regression showed that significant predictors for pleural plaques were age at diagnosis (OR=1.03 each year (95% CI=1.01-1.05), asbestos exposure in group 1 versus group 2 (OR=6.8 (95% CI=4-12), and exposure in group 1 versus group 3 (OR=6.4 (95% CI=3-13). Among subjects in groups 1 and 2, the presence of pleural plagues was significantly associated with latency (OR=l.03 for each year of latency; 95% CI=1.01-1.22) and asbestos exposure in group 1 versus group 2 (OR=7.8; 95% CI=4.4-13.0). CONCLUSIONS: Autopsy findings improved the diagnostic level of MM in elderly subjects, for whom reliable data on past asbestos exposure is often lacking. In subjects suffering from MM direct interview is always the best tool to evaluate past asbestos exposure; autopsy findings of pleural plaques cannot replace the anamnestic history when this is lacking, although such findings can act as a support.

Assessment of metal contamination in an urbanized estuary (Atlantic Ocean) using crabs as biomonitors: A multiple biomarker approach.

Estuarine environments, which are complex and sensitive coastal system, and are the final receptacle of several human wastes. Consequently, biomonitoring contaminants, such as metals, within these environments and developing scientific-based tools to conserve them have become particularly importat in recent years. Therefore, in the present study, we determined the levels of certain metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Ni, Cr and Fe) both in sediments and in a key ecological benthic species, the burrowing crab Neohelice granulata, in sites of the Bahía Blanca estuary (SW Atlantic Ocean) with different anthropogenic impacts. We combined these records with geochemical indices and enzymatic and non-enzymatic biochemical biomarkers as early warning signals of contamination and damage to establish an integrated metal contamination profile. Our results indicated that some metals like Cu moderately contaminate the estuary and that the primary input of metals in this area is due to malfunctioning sewage discharges. Crabs exhibited the following pattern of metal accumulation: Fe ≥ Cu > Zn > Mn > Ni > Cd. Pb and Cr were under the method detection limit, and Cu was probably bioaccumulated from sediments. Metal concentrations showed significant differences according to the sites and seasons (p > 0.05) and not strictly to the crab gender. Besides, a similar pattern was observed for biomarkers, and the integrated biomarker response allowed establishing different oxidative stress patterns, according not only to human impacts but also to the seasonal physiological needs of this species and environmental endpoints (salinity, temperature, and pH). This work demonstrates that environmental factors also affect the metal influx in crabs and the activity of biomarkers beyond the source and fate of these elements. This information is vital for future integrated monitoring programs.

Unraveling the depuration mechanisms of metals in the burrowing crab (Neohelice granulata Dana, 1852): Biochemical biomarkers, metal-rich granules and bioaccumulation patterns.

We studied the depuration mechanisms of metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Ni, Cr, Fe) in Neohelice granulata, from sites with different human impacts (PC, a more impacted site and VM, a less impacted one). Our objectives included assessing metal concentrations (essential and non-essential) before and after depuration treatment, evaluating biochemical biomarkers (non-enzymatic and enzymatic) pre and post-treatment, and determining the role of metal-rich granules (MRG) in depuration. We observed variability in metals and biomarkers post-depuration, with no significant differences observed in PC, while Cd and Mn increased and Ni, Cu, and Fe decreased in VM. Integrated biomarkers' response indicated the prevailing antioxidant capacity in depurated organisms. Lipid peroxidation changes were insignificant, except in depurated-VM where values increased. MRG showed a significant decrease only for Mn and Fe, suggesting they were not the primary depuration structure. We concluded that depuration might depend on the species, gender and contamination history.

Social experience affects neuronal responses to male calls in adult female zebra finches.

Plasticity studies have consistently shown that behavioural relevance can change the neural representation of sounds in the auditory system, but what occurs in the context of natural acoustic communication where significance could be acquired through social interaction remains to be explored. The zebra finch, a highly social songbird species that forms lifelong pair bonds and uses a vocalization, the distance call, to identify its mate, offers an opportunity to address this issue. Here, we recorded spiking activity in females while presenting distance calls that differed in their degree of familiarity: calls produced by the mate, by a familiar male, or by an unfamiliar male. We focused on the caudomedial nidopallium (NCM), a secondary auditory forebrain region. Both the mate's call and the familiar call evoked responses that differed in magnitude from responses to the unfamiliar call. This distinction between responses was seen both in single unit recordings from anesthetized females and in multiunit recordings from awake freely moving females. In contrast, control females that had not heard them previously displayed responses of similar magnitudes to all three calls. In addition, more cells showed highly selective responses in mated than in control females, suggesting that experience-dependent plasticity in call-evoked responses resulted in enhanced discrimination of auditory stimuli. Our results as a whole demonstrate major changes in the representation of natural vocalizations in the NCM within the context of individual recognition. The functional properties of NCM neurons may thus change continuously to adapt to the social environment.

Enzymatic approaches in paper industry for pulp refining and biofilm control.

The use of enzymes has a high potential in the pulp and paper industry to improve the economics of the paper production process and to achieve, at the same time, a reduced environmental impact. Specific enzymes contribute to reduce the amount of chemicals and energy required for the modification of fibers and helps to prevent the formation or development of biofilms. This review is aimed at presenting the latest progresses made in the application of enzymes as refining aids and biofilm control agents.

[Anti-smoking counseling in a group of workers with past exposure to asbestos]. / Counseling antifumo in un gruppo di lavoratori ex esposti ad asbesto.

BACKGROUND: Anti-smoking counseling is often part of healthcare protocols for workers with past asbestos exposure; nevertheless, data is lacking about the results. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate smoking habits and the effects of anti-smoking counseling in a group of workers with past asbestos exposure. METHODS: Smoking was assessed in 671 subjects who voluntarily attended a health surveillance protocol. Fagerstrom's and Richmond's tests were used in order to estimate smokers' addiction and their potential will to quit. Besides anti-smoking counseling, smokers were also offered a formal cessation programme. RESULTS: The mean age of the 671 subjects was 66 (DS = 7,9) years. The population consisted of 87 (13%) current smokers, 372 (55%) ex-smokers and 212 (32%) non smokers. According to Fagerstrom's test results, only 10% of the smokers presented a strong/very strong addiction, while Richmond's test results showed that 50% of the smokers had a strong/very strong will to quit. Only one smoker decided to join a cessation programme. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study could present a bias, because volunteer-based protocols may promote the participation of self-motivated and health-sensitive subjects. This could be one of the reasons for the low prevalence of current smokers and high prevalence of ex-smokers. Anti-smoking counseling did not produce satisfactory effects because smokers were resistant to quitting smoking. Identification of anti-smoking counseling weak points may improve efficacy in health prevention controls made on subjects with past asbestos exposure.

PET/CT calibration for post-treatment standard body scan acquisition with yttrium-90 resin micro-SPHERES.

INTRODUCTION: Among the objectives in treatments with yttrium-90 spheres, is to demonstrate that the tumoricidal dose is achieved and that hepatotoxic doses are avoided, as well as that there is no extrahepatic deposition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We use different amounts of yttrium-90 resin micro-spheres and a NEMA NU2-2007 phantom to check if the scanner maintains a response that allows real dosimetric calculations. RESULTS: The Gemini tomograph responds linearly in a wide range of activities with R2 = 0.9983. CONCLUSION: The detection capacity of the PET equipment allows us to carry out standard body studies with dosimetric purposes with times of five minutes per bed. It also make possible to verify the absence of extrahepatic deposition of significant amounts of yttrium 90 spheres.