Article
Environmental Sciences
Nicolas Latorre-Padilla, Andres Meynard, Jorge Rivas, Loretto Contreras-Porcia
Summary: This study analyzed the potential transfer of pollutants to the herbivore Tetrapygus niger through diet in an industrialized coastal zone in Central Chile, revealing higher concentrations of PAHs and heavy metals in Caleta Horcon compared to a low industrial impact zone. The study also showed that Caleta Horcon is highly contaminated with metals, with higher concentrations present in both algae and sea urchins. Additionally, bioconcentration and trophic transfer factors in Caleta Horcon were found to exceed those in the control site Algarrobo by one or two orders of magnitude.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ivan Kuprijanov, Germo Vali, Andrey Sharov, Nadezhda Berezina, Taavi Liblik, Urmas Lips, Natalja Kolesova, Jaakko Maanio, Ville Junttila, Inga Lips
Summary: Contamination by hazardous substances in the eastern Gulf of Finland, Baltic Sea is a major environmental issue. Efforts were made to sample and analyze heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and organotins from bottom sediments, with organotin input still occurring along shipping routes. The content of tributyltin exceeded quality criteria by over 300 times. High contamination of PAHs near ports is likely due to incomplete fuel incineration.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Toktam Bagheri, Ali Misaghi, Ali Taheri MirGhaed, Abolfazl Kamkar, Aliakbar Hedayati, Hessameddin Akbarein
Summary: Just recently, the presence of heavy metals in aquatic animals, particularly fishes, has been detected, leading to the need for a method to assess the health risks for humans who consume these contaminated fishes. The present study aimed to assess the health risk associated with the consumption of four heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead, and copper) in three main edible fishes caught from Gorgan bay. The results indicate that the heavy metals found in Gorgan bay do not pose serious risks to consumer health, although there were some exceedances of acceptable values for target cancer risk.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andrey Ethan Rubin, Limor Omeysi, Ines Zucker
Summary: This study analyzes the current state of microplastic contamination along the Mediterranean coastline of Israel. Tel Aviv and Hadera, located near stream estuaries, were found to be highly contaminated compared to other locations. The microplastics detected included both secondary microplastics and pristine polymeric pellets. The most common microplastic polymers were polyethylene and polypropylene. The study suggests that local rivers contribute significantly to microplastic contamination and may pose a direct threat to the environment and human health.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hassan Malvandi
Summary: A study evaluated the mercury concentration in Caspian kutum fish and its potential health risks for consumers, predators, and people living in the area, finding that the mercury levels at all sampling stations were below international permissible levels, indicating low health risks. However, continuous monitoring of mercury and other pollutants in fish species is still necessary due to the toxicity of mercury.
BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mohammad Abdul Momin Siddique, Md Shakhawate Hossain, Md Mohidul Islam, Mahfuzur Rahman, Golam Kibria
Summary: This study assessed the levels of heavy metals and metalloids in six types of seaweeds and found potential health risks in some species, indicating they are not suitable for human consumption.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Biology
Samira Gallo, Gianluca Nania, Valentina Caruso, Giorgia Zicarelli, Francesco Luigi Leonetti, Gianni Giglio, Giorgio Fedele, Chiara Romano, Massimiliano Bottaro, Olga Mangoni, Danilo Scannella, Sergio Vitale, Fabio Falsone, Giacomo Sardo, Michele Luca Geraci, Alessandra Neri, Letizia Marsili, Cecilia Mancusi, Donatella Barca, Emilio Sperone
Summary: This study investigates the bioaccumulation of 17 trace elements in the muscle tissue of the blackmouth catshark from various locations in the Mediterranean Sea. The research provides insights into the distribution and accumulation patterns of these elements in the shark species and highlights the potential risks posed by chemical contamination in the Mediterranean Sea. The study emphasizes the importance of investigating the impacts of pollutants on marine organisms, particularly sharks, to develop effective conservation and management strategies.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Safaa Abdel Ghani, Samia Hamdona, Laila Shakweer, Abeer El Saharty
Summary: This study investigates the distribution of heavy metals in seawater along the eastern Egyptian Mediterranean Sea coast and evaluates the water quality. The results show that there is heavy metal pollution in Eastern Harbour, Abu-Qir, and Port Said sectors, and the pollution levels vary across seasons and regions.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Katya Peycheva, Veselina Panayotova, Rositsa Stancheva, Lubomir Makedonski, Albena Merdzhanova, Gaetano Cammilleri, Vincenzo Ferrantelli, Vittorio Calabrese, Nicola Cicero, Francesco Fazio
Summary: This study investigated the effects of steaming on Mediterranean mussels harvested from the Black Sea. The results showed that steaming significantly altered the concentrations of certain elements, minerals, and fatty acids in the mussels. However, steaming did not compromise the nutritional quality of the mussels and they were found to be safe for human consumption.
FOOD SCIENCE & NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tanha Tahity, Md. Rakeb Ul Islam, Nurer Zaman Bhuiyan, Tasrina Rabia Choudhury, Jimmy Yu, Md. Abu Noman, Mohammad Mozammal Hosen, Shamshad B. Quraishi, Bilal Ahamad Paray, Takaomi Arai, Mohammad Belal Hossain
Summary: The study evaluated metal concentrations in different organs of Barramundi fish and found that heavy metal concentrations were higher in farmed fish than in wild fish, possibly due to environmental conditions and dietary element concentrations. Although some metal concentrations exceeded national and international threshold limits, overall, all studied heavy metals were below the maximum permissible limits.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Oluwaseyi Aderemi Ajala, Margret Racheal Oke, Temitope Fausat Ajibade, Fidelis Odedishemi Ajibade, Bashir Adelodun, Joshua O. Ighalo, Margaret Opeyemi Ajala, Pankaj Kumar, Hailu Demissie, Adamu Yunusa Ugya, Ishaq Dimeji Sulaymon, Luis F. O. Silva
Summary: Heavy metals in Nigerian freshwater pose a significant health risk due to their widespread sources and high concentrations.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Atta Ur Rehman, Kousar Yasmeen, Iftekhar Saeed, Muhammad Zubair Khan
Summary: Moderate arsenic exposure from smokeless tobacco products can lead to health problems. This study used atomic absorption spectroscopy to measure arsenic content in smokeless tobacco products and developed a framework for calculating average daily arsenic intake for different types of smokeless tobacco. Various probability density function fits were used to estimate population risk, and deterministic and probabilistic cancer risk were quantified. The results showed that chewing tobacco and snuff tobacco consumers have higher cancer risk levels compared to dipping tobacco consumers.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
N. Carro, R. Fernandez, S. Sonora, J. Cobas, I. Garcia, M. Ignacio, A. Mouteira
Summary: A new miniaturized version of the QuEChERS technique using Florisil for extracting PAEs in mussel samples was developed and validated. The method showed good recoveries, reproducibility, and low limits of quantification. Analysis of mussel samples from Galician Rias revealed the presence of PAEs in concentrations ranging from 1.99 to 372.7 μg/kg dry weight.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Leonel C. Mendoza, Ronnel C. Nolos, Oliver B. Villaflores, Enya Marie D. Apostol, Delia B. Senoro
Summary: Concentrations of heavy metals in Tilapia spp. from Calapan City, Philippines were assessed. The study found that Cd concentrations in all parts of Tilapia exceeded the FAO/WHO limits, with the highest concentration in the fins. Other heavy metals such as Cu, Pb, Mn, Hg, and Zn also exceeded the limits in certain parts of the fish.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Toktam Bagheri, Ali Misaghi, Ali Taheri MirGhaed, Abolfazl Kamkar, Aliakbar Hedayati
Summary: This survey evaluated heavy metal accumulation in edible fishes from Gorgan Bay. Results showed that mullet from the estuary had the highest accumulation of arsenic, while roach from the mouth of the channel had the lowest contamination. The highest pollution of cadmium and copper was observed in fishes caught from the estuary. The study highlights the importance of limiting fishing times and locations to minimize heavy metal contamination in the ecologically sensitive Gorgan Bay.
BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Massimo Caruso, Alfio Distefano, Rosalia Emma, Pietro Zuccarello, Chiara Copat, Margherita Ferrante, Giuseppe Carota, Roberta Pulvirenti, Riccardo Polosa, Gesualdo Antonio Missale, Sonja Rust, Giuseppina Raciti, Giovanni Li Volti
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the presence of metal- and plastic-derived contaminants in e-liquids and their cytotoxic effect on human bronchial epithelial cells. The results showed that e-liquid aerosol had significantly reduced cytotoxic effect compared to cigarette smoke, maintained mitochondria integrity, and did not produce reactive oxygen species.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marco Palella, Chiara Copat, Alfina Grasso, Antonio Cristaldi, Gea Oliveri Conti, Margherita Ferrante, Maria Fiore
Summary: This study investigated the opinions, knowledge, and attitudes toward vaccines among healthcare students at the University of Catania in Italy. It uncovered a lack of knowledge about vaccines as well as contrasting opinions and attitudes among future health professionals. Therefore, interventions are necessary to educate and intervene in the preparation of future healthcare providers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Margherita Ferrante, Alfina Grasso, Gianluca Giuberti, Margherita Dall ' Asta, Edoardo Puglisi, Giovanni Arena, Angelo Nicosia, Maria Fiore, Chiara Copat
Summary: This study investigates the behaviour and biopersistence rate of metallic nanoparticles (Ag-NPs, TiO2-NPs, ZnO-NPs) naturally occurring in canned seafood during in vitro digestion. The findings show that agglomeration and dispersion occur depending on the digestive phase and sample matrix. Ag-NPs have lower biopersistence than ZnO and TiO2-NPs, but the investigated naturally occurring NPs cannot be considered readily degradable as their biopersistence rates exceed the recommended limit set by EFSA.
FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Marco Palella, Francesca Maria Giustolisi, Adriana Modica Fiascaro, Martina Fichera, Antonella Palmieri, Rossella Cannarella, Aldo E. Calogero, Margherita Ferrante, Maria Fiore
Summary: This umbrella review aimed to provide an evidence-based summary of the association between Graves' disease (GD) and the risk of developing thyroid cancer and its prognosis. Strong evidence was found for the increased risk of thyroid cancer and mortality in GD patients, especially in Europe. However, caution should be exercised when interpreting these results due to the limitations of retrospective studies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Veronica Filetti, Claudia Lombardo, Carla Loreto, George Dounias, Massimo Bracci, Serena Matera, Lucia Rapisarda, Venerando Rapisarda, Caterina Ledda, Ermanno Vitale
Summary: Environmental exposure to fibers of respirable size, including fluoro-edenite, has been found to cause chronic respiratory diseases and carcinogenic effects in humans. This is a public health issue that requires the identification of biomarkers for assessing the health status of individuals exposed to fluoro-edenite fibers and for early diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma in asymptomatic patients.
Article
Immunology
Caterina Ledda, Venerando Rapisarda, Helena C. Maltezou
Summary: Despite evidence of the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination, vaccine hesitancy and refusal among healthcare personnel have become a major concern. A survey among Italian healthcare personnel who refused COVID-19 vaccination and were suspended from work revealed that they had good knowledge of occupational vaccinations but strong anti-vaccination beliefs. They were against mandatory vaccination policies and expressed doubts about the expected benefits and safety of vaccines.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Margherita Ferrante, Paola Rapisarda, Alfina Grasso, Claudia Favara, Gea Oliveri Conti
Summary: The herbicide Glyphosate, synthesized in 1950, was used to control weeds in agriculture. However, studies have shown that Glyphosate is harmful to the ecosystem and human health. It interferes with the metabolic pathways of plants and microorganisms, negatively affecting their growth. The extensive use of Glyphosate leads to plant death and pollution of freshwaters and soils.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Filippo Vaccari, Leilei Zhang, Gianluca Giuberti, Alfina Grasso, Francesca Bandini, Pascual Garcia-Perez, Chiara Copat, Luigi Lucini, Margherita Dall'Asta, Margherita Ferrante, Edoardo Puglisi
Summary: Metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants, especially in food preparations, and pose a growing concern for human health. This study investigated the impact of three common MNPs, zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and silver (Ag), on the human gut metabolome and microbiome using in-vitro digestion and fermentation models. The results showed that MNPs could modulate the composition of gut microbial communities and disrupt metabolic pathways associated with protein metabolism. TiO2 nanoparticles specifically led to an increase in a proinflammatory lipid mediator and altered the relative abundance of certain bacterial species. Interestingly, lower concentrations of MNPs appeared to be less harmful, suggesting that MNP aggregation could mitigate adverse effects on living cells.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Biology
Caterina Ledda, Massimo Bracci, Alba Spadafora, Giuseppe Motta, Giuseppe Smecca, Dolores Catelan, Venerando Rapisarda
Summary: This systematic review examines the influence of occupational exposures on prostate cancer risk. The results indicate that firefighters exposed to harmful substances, individuals engaged in physically strenuous work, and workers with chronic night shift routines have an increased likelihood of developing prostate cancer. Additionally, exposure to certain chemicals is associated with an increased risk.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Regina Maria Chiechio, Angela Caponnetto, Rosalia Battaglia, Carmen Ferrara, Ester Butera, Paolo Musumeci, Riccardo Reitano, Francesco Ruffino, Giuseppe Maccarrone, Cinzia Di Pietro, Valerie Marchi, Luca Lanzano, Giovanni Arena, Alfina Grasso, Chiara Copat, Margherita Ferrante, Annalinda Contino
Summary: This research focuses on functionalizing lanthanide-doped nanoparticles to confer water solubility and biocompatibility. It investigates the toxicological properties of the nanoparticles and their internalization within cancer cells, revealing a strong correlation between fluorescence intensity and nanoparticle concentrations. The findings are of significant importance to the fields of nanotechnology and biomedical research.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Helena C. Maltezou, Caterina Ledda, Nikolaos V. Sipsas
Summary: This systematic review assessed the impact of COVID-19 on absenteeism among healthcare personnel. The findings showed that COVID-19 was a major driver of absenteeism among healthcare personnel, with the duration of absence varying based on different factors. COVID-19 vaccination, routine testing, and the use of personal protective equipment were found to significantly improve absenteeism. The study highlights the need for ongoing research and the establishment of networks to monitor morbidity and absenteeism among healthcare personnel in real-time and inform vaccination policies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raffaella Lazzarini, Maria Fiorella Tartaglione, Veronica Ciarapica, Francesco Piva, Matteo Giulietti, Gianluca Fulgenzi, Margherita Martelli, Caterina Ledda, Ermanno Vitale, Marco Malavolta, Lory Santarelli, Massimo Bracci
Summary: This study found that high-irradiance blue or red light exposure reduces the viability of keratinocytes and induces cell death and cell cycle arrest. It also affects mitochondrial density and morphology. Proteomic analysis identified the key roles of TXNRD1 and AKR1C3 in the cellular response to high-irradiance blue or red light exposure.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Fatemeh Ranjdoost, Mohammad-Ebrahim Ghaffari, Faramarz Azimi, Amir Mohammadi, Reza Fouladi-Fard, Maria Fiore
Summary: Recent studies have shown that air pollution has harmful effects on hearing and ear diseases. This study evaluated the impact of exposure to air pollution on the incidence of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL). The findings from a meta-analysis suggest an indirect relationship between air pollutants and SSHL.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
