34 research outputs found
Cytogenetic Effects in Children Exposed to Air Pollutants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
No full textThe aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the association between exposure to ambient air pollutants and micronuclei (MN) frequency in children. This work was performed according to the Cochrane Collaboration and the PRISMA guidelines and recommendations. Articles published before November 2021 were identified by an advanced search on PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science databases. A critical appraisal using a specific tool was conducted to assess the quality of each included study. All analyses were carried out by using the Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4 software (The Cochrane Collaboration, London, UK). One hundred and forty-five references were firstly identified, and, at the end of selection process, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Six studies carried out a direct evaluation through the use of air samplers, whereas the other ones accessed environmental databases (n = 2) or used other tools (n = 3). In two cases, exposure was not directly investigated, with children sampled in two different areas with well-known different levels of pollution. The overall effect size (ES) was 1.57 ((95% CI = 1.39; 1.78), p-value < 0.00001) (total evaluated subjects: 4162), which highlighted a statistically significant association between outdoor air pollution and MN frequency in children. As a high MN frequency has been associated with a number of pathological states and a higher risk of developing chronic degenerative diseases, our results should be taken into consideration by policy makers to design and implement interventions aimed at reducing the introduction of pollutants in the atmosphere as well as at minimizing the exposure extent, particularly in children
Effect of Cooking and Domestic Storage on the Antioxidant Activity of Lenticchia di Castelluccio di Norcia, an Italian PGI Lentil Landrace
No full textThe aim of this work was to characterise Lenticchia di Castelluccio di Norcia (an Italian PGI lentil landrace) and assess the impact of cooking and storage on antioxidant activity. After opening the package (T0), samples were analysed using a set of chemical assays (i.e., total phenolic content, DPPH, ABTS, and ORAC assays). Analyses were also conducted on boiled, pressure-cooked, and 6-month-stored (T1) products. At both T0 and T1, raw Lenticchia di Castelluccio di Norcia PGI showed higher total phenolic content (T0: 9.08 mg GAE/g, T1: 7.76 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant activity (DPPH T0: 33.02 µmol TE/g, T1: 29.23 µmol TE/g; ABTS T0: 32.12 µmol CE/g, T1: 31.77 µmol CE/g; ORAC T0: 3.58 μmol TE/g, T1: 3.60 μmol TE/g) than boiled and pressure-cooked samples. Overall, pressure-cooking led to a smaller decline in total phenolic content and antioxidant activity than the common boiling procedure. Domestic storage led to a significant reduction in total phenolic content—both in raw and cooked products—but not in antioxidant activity. In summary, these results highlighted interesting amounts of phenols and antioxidant properties of this product, showing the impact of routine procedures. Given the relevance of pulses as sustainable plant-based meat alternatives and their importance in the prevention of non-communicable diseases, health professionals should consider these aspects in the context of correct nutrition education and scientific communication
ANALISI DELLA SICUREZZA DI TRAVI IN CA SOGGETTE A D AZIONE DI ESPLOSIONE
No full textIl carico da esplosione presenta grandi incertezze per quanto riguarda la posizione, l’intensità e la possibilità di accadimento. Sommando a queste incertezze quelle relative ai materiali, alla geometria e i sovraccarichi, si rende necessario un’analisi statistica finalizzata ad una più realistica stima della risposta strutturale. L'articolo presenta i risultati ottenuti da una indagine parametrica sulla risposta di travi inflesse in calcestruzzo armato soggette a carichi di tipo esplosivo. Mediante analisi dinamica non lineare di un sistema equivalente ad un grado di libertà sono state esaminate le risposte probabilistiche, in termini di massimo spostamento e di fattore di duttilità, di elementi inflessi in c.a. a seguito di azioni esplosive
Homogenization approach for the evaluation of crack patterns induced by foundation settlement on an old masonry building
No full textA numerical FE homogenization approach for the interpretation of existing crack patterns induced by founda-tion settlement on old masonry buildings is discussed. The approach is quite general and may be applied to any case study. It relies on a 3D FE discretization of the entire structure by means of rigid infinitely resistant six-noded wedge ele-ments and non-linear interfaces, exhibiting deterioration of the mechanical properties. Soil is modeled by means of elastic translational springs, with values derived from at hand simplified approaches.
The case study analyzed is the so called “Siloteca” [1] building in Milan, Italy, which belongs to a more complex built ag-gregate, originally conceived by the French Napoleonic army as riding stable during the Cisalpina Republic. At present, the building is utilized as an archive within the Science and Technology Museum. The aggregate may be regarded as be-ing subdivided into two separate blocks, with each one further sub-divided into eight isolated buildings. Nowadays, only six stables of one of the blocks are still present. Two of the six structures now serve as a Museum deposit and are the ob-jects of the present study, whereas the other four are in worst condition, partially roofed and collapsed and in a general de-cayed state. Siloteca exhibits meaningful crack patterns and an active overturning mechanism of the main façade.
The masonry face texture is relatively regular and well organized; its section is constituted of three leaves of header bricks, one leaf being alternatively constituted by one-half brick. A quite large sub-vertical crack is present in the central long wall, at a distance of about 10 meters from the main façade, which is progressively rocking. The reason of the façade movements at the base is probably due to differential settlements of the foundation, as a consequence of a large excavation realized some decades ago to install large gas oil tanks for the museum.
In this paper, for a direct mechanical interpretation of the reasons at the base of the formation of the crack pattern, a sim-ple but effective fully equilibrated model is discussed, facilitating in the accurate prediction of the position of the cracks. The model is also utilized to estimate soil elastic vertical stiffness –within a Winker approximation- to be used in a second phase with the fully non-linear FE code. Once the soil constants are at disposal from such a procedure, a homogenized non-linear FE code recently proposed by the second author [2, 3] is utilized to have an insight into the state of mechanical degradation of the structure. A hypothesis on foundation settlement is provided to justify the crack maps exhibited by the structure
Green Tea Consumption and Risk of Breast Cancer and Recurrence—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
No full textBreast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women and several factors are involved in its onset. Green tea (GT) has been shown to have potential beneficial effects on different types of cancer. The aim of this review was to evaluate the association between GT regular consumption and risk of BC in women. The risk of BC recurrence and risk of BC in relation to menopausal status were also evaluated. A literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to perform the systematic review and meta-analysis. Full texts were downloaded for 40 studies; however, only 13 records were included in the meta-analysis. Eight were cohort studies and five were case-control studies. The pooled sample consisted of 163,810 people. An inverse statistically significant relationship between GT and BC risk, with an Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.85 ((95% CI = 0.80–0.92), p = 0.000)), was found. Egger’s linear regression test did not show a potential publication bias (intercept 0.33, t = 0.40, p = 0.695), which was also confirmed by the symmetry of the funnel plot. Moreover, no high statistical heterogeneity (Chi2 = 31.55, df = 13, I2 = 58.79%, p = 0.003) was found. The results of this meta-analysis showed a potential protective effect of GT consumption on BC, especially for BC recurrence
Safety assessment of an ancient masonry structure by means of a homogenized non-linear approach
No full textIn the paper, both a simplified at hand and a FE numerical analysis on an ancient masonry building called “Siloteca” [1] in Milan, Italy, is discussed.
The so called Siloteca building belongs to a more complex built aggregate, originally conceived by the French Napoleonic army as riding stable during the Cisalpina Republic. At present, the building belongs to the Science and Technology museum and it is utilized as archive. The aggregate may be regarded as subdivided into two separate blocks, each one further sub-divided into eight isolated buildings. Nowadays, only six stables of one of the blocks are still present. Two of the six structures serve now as a Museum deposit and are the object of the present study, whereas the other four are in worst condition, partially roofed and collapsed and in a general decayed state. Siloteca exhibits meaningful crack patterns and an active overturning mechanism of the main façade.
Aim of the present paper is to proposed simplified and sophisticated models, either analytical or numerical, for the interpretation of the present state of degradation of the building. On the bases of such models, a rehabilitation intervention aimed at avoiding possible partial collapses and at restoring the original undisturbed stress state will be planned. The masonry face texture is relatively regular and well organized; its section is constituted by three leaves of header bricks, one leaf being alternatively constituted by one-half brick. A quite large sub-vertical crack is present in the central long wall, at a distance of about 10 meters from the main façade, which is progressively rocking. The reason at the base of the façade movements is probably due to differential settlements of the foundation, consequence of a large excavation realized some decades ago to install large gas oil tanks for the museum.
In the paper, for a direct mechanical interpretation of the reasons at the base of the formation of the crack pattern, a simple but effective fully equilibrated model is discussed, able to predict quite accurately the position of the cracks. The model is also utilized to estimate soil elastic vertical stiffness –within a Winker approximation- to be used in a second phase with a fully non-linear FE code. Once soil constants are at disposal from such a procedure, a homogenized non-linear FE code recently proposed by the second author [2][3] is utilized to have an insight into the state of mechanical degradation of the structure. A hypothesis on foundation settlement is provided to justify crack maps exhibited by the structure
Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Senecio vulgaris L. Extracts: An In Vitro Assessment in HepG2 Liver Cells
No full textSenecio vulgaris L. is a herbaceous species found worldwide. The demonstrated occurrence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in this species and its ability to invade a great variety of habitats result in a serious risk of contamination of plant material batches addressed to the herbal teas market; this presents a potential health risk for consumers. In light of the above, this work aimed to assess the cytotoxic and genotoxic activity of S. vulgaris extracts in HepG2 cells. Dried plants were ground and extracted using two different methods, namely an organic solvent-based procedure (using methanol and chloroform), and an environmentally friendly extraction procedure (i.e., aqueous extraction), which mimicked the domestic preparation of herbal teas (5, 15, and 30 min of infusion). Extracts were then tested in HepG2 cells for their cytotoxic and genotoxic potentialities. Results were almost superimposable in both extracts, showing a slight loss in cell viability at the highest concentration tested, and a marked dose-dependent genotoxicity exerted by non-cytotoxic concentrations. It was found that the genotoxic effect is even more pronounced in aqueous extracts, which induced primary DNA damage after five minutes of infusion even at the lowest concentration tested. Given the broad intake of herbal infusions worldwide, this experimental approach might be proposed as a screening tool in the analysis of plant material lots addressed to the herbal infusion market
Moderate red wine intake and cardiovascular health protection: a literature review
No full textWine is a complex matrix consisting primarily of water (86%) and ethyl alcohol (12%), as well as other different molecules, such as polyphenols, organic acids, tannins, compound minerals, vitamins and biologically active compounds which play an important role in the specific characteristics of each wine. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020, moderate red wine consumption-defined as up to two units of alcohol per day for men and up to one unit of alcohol per day for women-significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease which represents the major causes of mortality, and disability, in developed countries. We reviewed the available literature concerning the potential relationship between moderate red wine consumption and cardiovascular health. We searched Medline, Scopus and Web of Science (WOS) for randomized controlled studies and case-control studies published from 2002 to 2022. A total of 27 articles were selected for the review. According to epidemiological evidence, drinking red wine in moderation lowers the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Red wine contains both alcoholic and non-alcoholic ingredients; however, it is yet unclear which is to blame for these effects. Combining wine with the diet of healthy individuals may add additional benefits. New studies should focus more on the characterization of the individual components of wine, to allow the analysis and study of the impact of each of them on the prevention and treatment of certain diseases
Eating and lifestyle habits and primary school health-related programs: a survey involving Italian children and teachers
No full textBackground. Childhood overweight and obesity represent serious public health concerns in several countries worldwide, including
Italy, where the highest prevalence in Europe of overweight and obesity among primary school children was recorded. Among
others, primary schools represent suitable social environments for health education projects. In this perspective, to optimize resources
and plan successful activities, it is necessary, first of all, to analyze the context of the intervention.
Study design. A pilot survey involving children and teachers was conducted in a primary school in Jesi (Le Marche Region,
Italy).
Methods. A questionnaire was submitted by teachers between May and June 2023 to 104 pupils (aged 6–11) from the five different
primary school system classes. A qualitative questionnaire was also filled out by the same teachers (n = 5) who were present while
the children were filling the eating/lifestyle questionnaire.
Results. Most of the children (96.1%) had breakfast before school, with milk and cereal (51.5%) representing the preferred combination.
During recess, 59.2% of pupils usually have a sandwich, 23.3% usually have sweet snacks, whereas only 2.9% have a
fruit. Over 55% of the sample preferred drinking high-sugar beverages to water, and 15.5% declared going to a fast-food restaurant
more than once a week. Over 17% of children did sport only once a week or less often. Over 64% of children habitually played
videogames, and 77.6% normally watched TV or played with a tablet/smartphone while eating. Finally, the teachers’ interview
highlighted that there were no active health-related projects addressed to the pupils, and the school did not normally organize meetings
with health professionals to increase children’s and their parents’ knowledge and awareness about healthy eating habits.
Conclusions. This preliminary investigation analyzed the context for a future health and nutrition education project and will assist
researchers in planning successful activities and increasing the efficiency of the intervention
Nuova scuola dell’infanzia di San Giorgio, Brunico, Bolzano. Concorso internazionale di progettazione.
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