Radon risk mapping: A new geostatistical method based on Lorenz Curve and Gini index.

In confined spaces such as living environments and workplaces, the concentration levels of radon (Rn222) can be very high as compared to the external environment. Since Rn has been classified as the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking, to apply efficient locally based risk reduction actions, dense maps of indoor radon concentration are needed. These maps would provide information about the areas prone to high radon concentrations and therefore more dangerous to human health. The soil is the primary source of the Rn, hence the risk assessment and reduction for the radon exposure cannot disregard the identification of the local geology. In this regard, we propose an innovative method, based on the Gini index computation, for the realization of interpolated maps (kriging) to describe the distribution of concentration of Rn. To validate the method, a tool that simulates sets of radon concentrations is used, whose variability is, to the first order, controlled by a priori imposed different lithologies. A systematic comparison is made between the results achieved by means of a classically used geostatistical method and the proposed Gini-based tool. We show how, by using this latter tool, the kriging solutions appear to be more robust to resolve the different geogenic radon sources independently from the number of the available measurements.

HIV awareness: a kap study among students in Italy reveals that preventive campaigns still represent a public health priority.

BACKGROUND: Improving knowledge about HIV/AIDS among young people is crucial for preventing new infections. The aim of the study was to investigate knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding HIV infection among students attending university courses related to the healthcare professions, in order to better target future preventive and informative HIV campaigns tailored for young people. STUDY DESIGN: A knowledge, attitude and practices study was conducted among university students attending the following university courses in Bari (Southern Italy): Medicine and Surgery (MS), Dentistry and Dental Prostheses, Health Assistance, Motor Activities and Sports Sciences, Sciences and Technology of Herbal and Health Products, Nursing, Biomedical Laboratory Techniques, and Dietetics. METHODS: Students completed a self-administered questionnaire designed to assess their knowledge/attitudes re/ HIV and their own sexual practices. The general part of the questionnaire requested information about age, gender, nationality, religion and marital status. The second part included questions asking about knowledge, attitude and practices with respect to HIV, which required true/false answers or graduated answers (reported as agree, quite agree, quite disagree, and disagree). RESULTS: Four hundred students were invited to fill in the questionnaire. The response rate was 91.2% (n=365). Almost all students were aware that HIV is transmitted through sexual intercourse and blood, but only 34% knew that breastfeeding is a route of transmission. Of the respondents, 86.8% referred to previous sexual intercourse (25.8% reported using a condom in all cases of sexual intercourse, 43.5% in most cases, 18.6% rarely and 12.1 never). Sexual intercourse with casual partners was reported by 37.5% of these students and 63.9% of them did not always use a condom. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study show that knowledge about some aspects of HIV is insufficient even though the students participating in the present study are students attending university courses related to the healthcare professions. Moreover, high-risk behaviors as the lack of the use of condom during sexual intercourse with casual partners are also common among interviewed students. Programs aimed at providing information that can prevent/reduce transmission of HIV in young people and new strategies to improve knowledge should be stressed as a public health priority.

Food-borne botulism in Apulia region, Italy: an expert witness testimony.

We report the epidemiology of food-borne botulism in Puglia, Italy, between 1977-2017, using surveillance data and Experts' personal observations. As the disease is rare, the diagnosis is often missed or delayed, and cases are initially misdiagnosed. This was the case of a family outbreak of botulism in the 1970s.

SIGNAL DECOMPOSITION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF PERIODIC AND ANOMALOUS PHENOMENA IN RADON TIME-SERIES.

This work concerns continuous monitoring of radon and thoron specific activity in soil gas within the framework of identifying possible anomalies. It is based on the analysis of a medium-term data record obtained from soil gas in an area of geophysical interest. The RaMonA spectrometric system is also used to measure the climatic parameters and a specific analysis of the alpha spectra is performed to better determine the alpha lines intensity. Since radon emission is also influenced by meteorological parameters, it is mandatory to differentiate the changes due to the deep phenomena. Different procedures are utilized to reach the above objective: statistical analysis using the Empirical Mode Decomposition technique, the Multiple Linear Regression method and the Remote Radon Estimation by using of the thoron trend to eliminate the locally produced radon fraction. The results of such methods are compared to recognize and to highlight radon anomalies.

Thirty years after Chernobyl: Long-term determination of 137Cs effective half-life in the lichen Stereocaulon vesuvianum.

It has been widely shown that nuclear fallout includes substances, which accumulate in organisms such as crustaceans, fish, mushrooms and lichens, helping to evaluate the activity concentration of contaminants accumulated on a long time. In this context, radiocaesium deposited in soil following the Chernobyl accident on 26 April 1986 is known to have remained persistently available for plant uptake in many areas of Europe. Studies on the lichen Stereocaulon vesuvianum show the plant's high capacity to retain radionuclides from the substrate and the air. After the Chernobyl accident, starting from September 1986, at the Radioactivity Laboratory (LaRa) of the University of Naples Federico II, four monitoring campaigns to evaluate the activity concentration of four isotopes of the two elements caesium and ruthenium (134Cs, 137Cs, 103Ru and 106Ru) were carried out until 1999. This study allowed the effective half-life of 134Cs and 137Cs to be estimated. Twenty-eight years after the accident, in December 2014, a further sampling was carried out; only 137Cs was revealed beyond the detection limits, measuring activity concentrations ranging from 20 to 40 Bq/kg, while the other radionuclides were no longer observed due to their shorter half-life. The last sampling allowed more precise determination of the effective half-life of 137Cs (6.2 ± 0.1 year), due to the larger dataset on a large time period.

Leaf anatomy and photochemical behaviour of Solanum lycopersicum L. plants from seeds irradiated with low-LET ionising radiation.

Plants can be exposed to ionising radiation not only in Space but also on Earth, due to specific technological applications or after nuclear disasters. The response of plants to ionising radiation depends on radiation quality/quantity and/or plant characteristics. In this paper, we analyse some growth traits, leaf anatomy, and ecophysiological features of plants of Solanum lycopersicum L. "Microtom" grown from seeds irradiated with increasing doses of X-rays (0.3, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Gy). Both juvenile and compound leaves from plants developed from irradiated and control seeds were analysed through light and epifluorescence microscopy. Digital image analysis allowed quantifying anatomical parameters to detect the occurrence of signs of structural damage. Fluorescence parameters and total photosynthetic pigment content were analysed to evaluate the functioning of the photosynthetic machinery. Radiation did not affect percentage and rate of seed germination. Plants from irradiated seeds accomplished the crop cycle and showed a more compact habitus. Dose-depended tendencies of variations occurred in phenolic content, while other leaf anatomical parameters did not show distinct trends after irradiation. The sporadic perturbations of leaf structure, observed during the vegetative phase, after high levels of radiation were not so severe as to induce any significant alterations in photosynthetic efficiency.

222Rn+220Rn monitoring by alpha spectrometry.

Controlled 222Rn+220Rn mixed atmospheres have been realised introducing calibrated sources in a stainless steel chamber. An electrostatic alpha monitor internal to the chamber has been used for an accurate discrimination of alpha peaks due to the products of the two isotopes. In the chamber, different specific activities are achieved in order to test the response of the internal reference instrument and to evaluate the possible interferences due to contemporary presence of both radon isotopes. Results show that: (i) the atmospheres are very stable, (ii) the monitor is adequate for their control because the various alpha lines are well evaluated and (iii) using Tyvek® filter, the efficiency of monitor is stable and constant vs. activity.

Radon measurements and effective dose from radon inhalation estimation in the Neapolitan catacombs.

In this study, the indoor radon activity concentrations have been measured in the Neapolitan catacombs using LR115 detectors. The detectors were exposed for two quarters, one in the warm season and the other in the cold. This has allowed one to evaluate the seasonal variations of concentrations, while the diurnal variations were evaluated performing continuous measurements by a Radim 5 monitor. The authors found that radon concentrations were lower in winter than in summer. Based on their values, taking into consideration the working hours in the catacombs and the equilibrium factor of 0.4, the effective dose to workers was estimated.

Extremophiles survival to simulated space conditions: an astrobiology model study.

In this work we investigated the ability of four extremophilic bacteria from Archaea and Bacteria domains to resist to space environment by exposing them to extreme conditions of temperature, UV radiation, desiccation coupled to low pressure generated in a Mars' conditions simulator. All the investigated extremophilic strains (namely Sulfolobus solfataricus, Haloterrigena hispanica, Thermotoga neapolitana and Geobacillus thermantarcticus) showed a good resistance to the simulation of the temperature variation in the space; on the other hand irradiation with UV at 254 nm affected only slightly the growth of H. hispanica, G. thermantarcticus and S. solfataricus; finally exposition to Mars simulated condition showed that H. hispanica and G. thermantarcticus were resistant to desiccation and low pressure.

Women and alcohol. A survey in the city of Barletta.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this survey was to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative relationship among women from Barletta--a national renowned wine center--and their alcohol consumption. METHODS: The AUDIT questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence of alcohol hazardous consumption among women. Questionnaires were submitted from March to November 2012. The sample was composed of 150 women older than 13 years of age, selected by stratified sampling based on age group. RESULTS: 107 women were enrolled with a total response rate of 71.3%. 62% of enrolled women consumes alcoholic beverages with a frequency that goes from 2-3 times a week to less than once a month, usually 1 or 2 alcoholic units. The binge-drinking was reported by 5% of women. Women who reported alcohol-related risk behaviors were less than 3%, they were single and between 18 and 60 years old and such behaviors occur less than once a month. The final score, calculated for all the women from their questionnaire answers, was not higher than 8, with an average score of 1.3 (SD = 1.5; range: 0 to 2.8). The comparison of the average scores of the three age groups showed a statistically significant difference (F = 5.8, p = 0.004). DISCUSSION: Data from literature showed a change in the habits of alcohol intake by the global, European and also Italian population. These changes also affect and involve female. Our study found a quite moderate alcohol consumption among women from Barletta, with only 1% who consumes 3 or more alcohol units and drink more than four times a week and 3% who had hazardous behavior related to their alcohol consumption. Statistical significance was found for the age and the lack of stable relationships. The analysis of characteristics of at risk women (old age and single-status) suggests that much attention should be paid to them and they should represent the main subject of future social interventions to prevent alcohol related problems in the city of Barletta.

Surveillance of new HIV infections/diagnoses in Puglia region (south Italy), years 2007-2011.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to describe temporal trend, distribution and characteristics of new HIV infections detected in Puglia Region in years 2007-2011. METHODS: Case surveillance data for all individuals newly diagnosed with HIV infection in these years were analysed. Risk factors associated with late presentation at diagnosis were analysed by multivariate logistic analysis. RESULTS: In the years 2007-2011 a total of 632 new diagnoses of HIV infection were notified. 573 (90,7%) of all cases were residents (83,8% Italians, 16,2% migrants). Among residents, 76,8% were males (median age 36 years), 23,2% females (median age 30 years). On the whole, 58,3% were late presenters (LP) and 40,8% were subjects with advanced HIV disease (AHD). At multivariate analysis, older age and being a migrant were risk factors significantly associated with late presentation at diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical-epidemiological analysis of new HIV diagnosis/infections in Puglia shows a high proportion of LP and AHD. The results of the study strongly suggest the need to promote access to counselling and screening services of subjects at high risk of late presentation for a better targeting of information campaigns.

Realization and characterization of a ²²°Rn source for calibration purposes.

The recent interest for measuring (220)Rn activity in air and the following development of the corresponding measurement techniques require the improvement of standards for the calibration and characterization of the measurement devices. Due to the short half-life of the (220)Rn, the adopted techniques for the production of (222)Rn sources are not always reliable. In this paper a methodology for realizing a thoron known activity starting from a (232)Th source will be presented and discussed.

Gamma dose rate measurements in dwellings of Campania region, South Italy.

A survey of gamma exposure in dwellings of Campania region, southern Italy has been performed using Thermo Luminescent Dosimeters (TLD). In each dwelling TLDs were exposed for six months in the room where the inhabitant spent most of their time, generally the bedroom or living room. The arithmetic mean was found to be 264 ± 111 nGy/h, after the subtraction of the cosmic contribution. The effects of building materials and geographic location were also examined. Using UNSCEAR model, the annual effective dose due to indoor gamma radiation was evaluated and it was found to be 1.3 mSv/y, that is higher than Italian national average of 0.4 mSv/y.

Cervical cancer prevention and health inequalities: an ad-hoc survey in Italian women.

OBJECTIVE: To assess knowledge and attitudes towards cervical cancer prevention in a sample of 2400 Italian women. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: The study was conducted through a standardized questionnaire administered in the workplace. RESULTS: Regular Pap testing was reported by 65.6% of the sample, and 86.9% were aware of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Just over half of the women (51.8%) stated that they would pay for the vaccine for themselves or family members. Significant differences in responses were associated with monthly income and educational level. CONCLUSION: Introduction of payment for the HPV vaccine may increase health inequalities significantly. For overall improvement in the quality of life, effective prevention and treatment services should be made available to all.

Emergence of macrolide-resistant strains during an outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in children.

OBJECTIVES: Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a frequent cause of human lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) for which macrolides are the treatment of choice. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of macrolide resistance and to subtype M. pneumoniae strains in Italy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During an outbreak of M. pneumoniae infections in southern Italy in 2010, 48 clinical specimens from 43 paediatric patients hospitalized for LRTIs were analysed for macrolide resistance. The mutations associated with resistance (A2063G and A2064G) and M. pneumoniae subtypes were detected by sequencing the targeted domain V region of the 23S rRNA gene and a region in the MPN528a gene, respectively. RESULTS: Macrolide resistance genotypes were detected in 11 (26%) of the 43 M. pneumoniae-positive children. The A2063G mutation was identified in seven patients and the A2064G mutation was identified in the remaining four. Upon admission, the isolates from three patients showed a susceptible genotype but subsequently acquired the A2063G mutation. Genotyping revealed M. pneumoniae subtype 1 in 33 of 40 sequenced strains and subtype 2 in the remaining 7. There was no association between macrolide resistance or susceptibility and the M. pneumoniae subtypes. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of macrolide resistance among M. pneumoniae strains in Italy. Our findings indicate an unexpected high prevalence of macrolide resistance genotypes in children, and so macrolide resistance should be carefully considered in patients who do not respond appropriately to antibiotic treatment. The epidemiological monitoring of macrolide resistance has become necessary in Italy and in the rest of Europe.

Communication skills in HPV prevention: an audit among Italian healthcare workers.

This study aims to investigate the knowledge, the attitudes and practices on HPV vaccination of health professionals of Mother and Child Service of Puglia Region (Italy). The study was conducted through a standardized questionnaire. Of 455 respondents, 74.2% judged HPV vaccine very important for immunization calendar. 88.9% did not believe that the administration of HPV vaccine implies consent to the initiation of sexual activity but 34.2% sustained that vaccine can give a false sense of protection against sexually transmitted diseases. 62.2% believed that boys should also be vaccinated. Skills necessary in the implementation of strategies in the promotion of health are partially inadequate and appropriate ongoing education should be carried out for health care workers.

Case report: fulminant pneumococcal sepsis in an unvaccinated asplenic patient in Italy.

We report a fatal case of overwhelming pneumococcal infection in an asplenic young adult not vaccinated against Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae).

A nosocomial outbreak of 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) in a paediatric oncology ward in Italy, October-November 2009.

A nosocomial outbreak of 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1), with eight confirmed cases, occurred in a paediatric oncology ward in Italy, in October/November 2009. The fact that one case was infected despite being isolated and without contact to a symptomatic patient, hints towards potential transmission through a health care worker (HCW) and underlines the importance of vaccination of HCW who are involved in the care of critically ill patients.

Risk factors for HBV/HIV/HCV in drug addicts: a survey of attendees of a department of pathological dependence.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to determine risk factors for the acquisition of HIV, HBV and HCV infections among Injection Drug Users (IDUs) who attended the out-patient clinic of the Department of Pathological Dependence at Bari Hospital in Bari Province (Italy). METHODS: The study was conducted in the year 2008 using the information available in the out-patient files of 291 drug addicts who were undergoing treatment. RESULTS: Their average age was 29.3 and 133 (45.7%) of them were affected by HIV/HBV/WHCV. The use of injected heroin, being separated or divorced, and having committed a crime were found to be risk factors for infection by HIV/ HBV/ HCV, while having a school diploma or a university degree and the use of cannabinoids were negatively associated with the infective diseases. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: While the data from the Italian Departments of Pathological Dependence concerning HIV diffusion in treated patients have been showing a reduction in the number of cases of seropositivity, drug addiction in industrialized countries is still the second most important risk factor, after promiscuous sexual behaviour, for infection by parenteral transmission. Correct risk assessment is essential for the planning of effective strategies for primary and secondary prevention.

Frequency of human papillomavirus infection and genotype distribution among women with known cytological diagnosis in a Southern Italian region.

INTRODUCTION: In the Puglia region (South Italy) about 200 new hospitalizations for cervical cancer are registered every year. The study investigated the frequency of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the genotype distribution of HPV in a sample of women with known cytology attending the outpatient clinics of four Gynecological Departments of the University of Bari over a four-year period (2005-2008). METHODS: Cervical samples from 1,168 women were analyzed for the presence of HPV-DNA through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in L1 region and reverse hybridization. The cytological results were associated with HPV positivity and type-specific prevalence. RESULTS: Overall, HPV infection was found in 355 (30.4%) women. HPV-DNA was found in 34.4% of women with a cytological diagnosis of ASCUS, in 46.8% of women with Low-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (LSIL) and in 87.0% of women with High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (HSIL)/carcinoma. Also 16.0% of women with normal Pap smear were found to be HPV-DNA positive. The most common HPVgenotype was type 16 found in 27.3% of positives, followed by type 53 (11.5%), type 66 (9.2%) and type 31 (9.0%). HPV genotype 18 was found in 6.4% of positives. Types 16 or 18 were detected in about 34% (120/355) of all infected women, in about 33% of LSIL and in 60% of HSIL/ carcinoma HPV-positive women. Among low risk (LR) genotypes, type 61 was found in 10.7% of HPV positive women, type 62 in 8.4%, type 42 in 8.1% and type CP6108 in 7.8%. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the study give evidence that HPV infection is frequent in the studied cohort of women. The most widespread genotypes found were 16 and 53. These data may represent a benchmark for future evaluation after the recent introduction of vaccination against HPV in 12-year-old girls.