Biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and genotoxicity to assess exposure to micro- and nanoplastics. A literature review.

The increased awareness about possible health effects arising from micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) pollution is driving a huge amount of studies. Many international efforts are in place to better understand and characterize the hazard of MNPs present in the environment. The literature search was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology in two different databases (PubMed and Embase). The selection of articles was carried out blind, screening titles and abstracts according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. In general, these studies rely on the methodology already in use for assessing hazard from nanomaterials and particles of concern. However, only a limited number of studies have so far directly measured human exposure to MNPs and examined the relationship between such exposure and its impact on human health. This review aims to provide an overview of the current state of research on biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and genotoxicity that have been explored in relation to MNPs exposure, using human, cellular, animal, and plant models. Both in-vitro and in-vivo models suggest an increased level of oxidative stress and inflammation as the main mechanism of action (MOA) leading to adverse effects such as chronic inflammation, immunotoxicity and genotoxicity. With the identification of such biological endpoints, representing critical key initiating events (KIEs) towards adaptive or adverse outcomes, it is possible to identify a panel of surrogate biomarkers to be applied and validated especially in occupational settings, where higher levels of exposure may occur.

The Italian policy of mandating SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for healthcare workers: Analysis of the policy processes and preliminary outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Italy experienced the first outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Europe, and was among the most hardly hit European countries. Growing evidence suggests healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Infection in HCWs can lead to cross-transmission and increase community transmission. Italy was the first country in Europe to introduce mandatory vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2 for HCWs, on April 1, 2021. AIM: To describe the policy processes and preliminary results of the introduction of compulsory vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 for HCWs in Italy. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In Italy, the adoption of the policy was possible in the context of the public health and economic crisis resulting from the pandemic, with support from the scientific community and among favorable political conditions. Preliminary data suggest the policy has so far had a positive impact on increasing vaccine uptake and lowering infection rates among HCWs. Hopefully, the lack of serious vaccine-related adverse events and the growing evidence on vaccine effectiveness will progressively strengthen vaccine confidence among HCWs. In the context of a global pandemic, the Italian experience could provide insight for policymakers in other countries considering similar policies. Further, the ethical, legal, and policy challenges raised by the current public health emergency could be used to inform future pandemic preparedness plans.

Disinfection and Biocompatibility of Titanium Surfaces Treated with Glycine Powder Airflow and Triple Antibiotic Mixture: An In Vitro Study.

The aim of this in vitro study was to compare three disinfection protocols of biofilm-coated machined (MAC) and acid etched (SLA) commercial pure Grade 4 Titanium disks. Samples were infected with a vial of polymicrobial biofilm to simulate peri-implantitis in vitro. Seventeen MAC and twenty SLA titanium disks were randomly assigned to: (1) glycine powder air-flow (GYPAP) for 1 min; (2) a local delivered triple paste antibiotic composed by a gel mixture with ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and clarithromycin (3MIX) for 1 h; and (3) a combination of both (GYPAP + 3MIX). Biocompatibility of the titanium disks after each treatment protocol was assessed by measurement of adhesion and growth of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) after 24 and 72 h. A confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) assessed the antibacterial effect of each treatment. Data of the antibacterial efficacy and cell viability were presented as mean with standard deviation and calculated by one-way ANOVA with multiple comparisons via Bonferroni tests. Results were considered significant with p < 0.05. The higher cell viability was achieved by the 3MIX and GYPAP combination on the SLA surfaces after 72 h. CLSM analysis showed a mean ratio of dead bacteria statistically higher in the 3MIX + GYPAP group compared with the GYPAP and 3MIX subgroups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, data showed that the combination of GYPAP and 3MIX could be preferred to the other protocols, especially in presence of SLA titanium surface.

Occupational Exposure to Carbon Nanotubes and Carbon Nanofibres: More Than a Cobweb.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) are erroneously considered as singular material entities. Instead, they should be regarded as a heterogeneous class of materials bearing different properties eliciting particular biological outcomes both in vitro and in vivo. Given the pace at which the industrial production of CNTs/CNFs is increasing, it is becoming of utmost importance to acquire comprehensive knowledge regarding their biological activity and their hazardous effects in humans. Animal studies carried out by inhalation showed that some CNTs/CNFs species can cause deleterious effects such as inflammation and lung tissue remodeling. Their physico-chemical properties, biological behavior and biopersistence make them similar to asbestos fibers. Human studies suggest some mild effects in workers handling CNTs/CNFs. However, owing to their cross-sectional design, researchers have been as yet unable to firmly demonstrate a causal relationship between such an exposure and the observed effects. Estimation of acceptable exposure levels should warrant a proper risk management. The aim of this review is to challenge the conception of CNTs/CNFs as a single, unified material entity and prompt the establishment of standardized hazard and exposure assessment methodologies able to properly feed risk assessment and management frameworks.

Whole body biomechanical burden of healthcare workers: proposal for a complementary risk assessment and management tool (HOARA).

INTRODUCTION: We have developed a new tool, named Holistic Approach Risk Assessment (HOARA), to support occupational safety and health professionals (OSH) in risk assessment and management when evaluating the biomechanical load of healthcare workers. OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of the HOARA is to support OSH in risk assessment and management of biomechanical hazards in healthcare facilities. This tool ensures a superior level of analysis by targeting independently various body compartments during all activities completed throughout the work shift. These include: head, neck, back and upper and lower limbs. METHODS: For each body segment, ergonomic determinants were defined on the basis of previous literature, according to which task and job analyses were performed. Upon direct observation, ergonomic factors were given a score based on their temporal extent. Subsequently, action-body segment raw indices and weighted indices were calculated. RESULTS: Results of the application of the method are shown. Of note, a relational database was set up to improve its usability. CONCLUSIONS: From an occupational health perspective, the HOARA, integrated with other methods, is expected to allow a more effective management of human resources, especially when assigning workers to specific jobs or tasks. Overall, the HOARA will be instrumental in assessing the impact of fitness for work judgments on work organization and its resources, in compliance with the guidelines from the Società Italiana di Medicina del Lavoro (SIML).

An update of a mortality study of talc miners and millers in Italy.

BACKGROUND: While talc containing asbestiform fibers is considered a human carcinogen, only limited animal and human data are available on non-asbestiform talc. To provide further evaluation on the issue, we updated the analysis of an Italian cohort of talc miners and millers in Val Chisone; talc found here is free from asbestiform fibers. METHODS: The cohort was comprised of 1,795 men who had worked for at least 1 year in the mine and/or in the factory between 1946 and 1995. Vital status and death certificates were obtained from registration offices in the municipality of death or of birth. Employment, termination of employment, and detailed job history were obtained from personnel records at the plant. RESULTS: No excess was found for total cancer mortality, nor mortality for lung cancer. No case of mesothelioma was reported. There was a significant excess mortality from non-neoplastic respiratory diseases (SMR 228.2, 95% CI 190.2-271.5). Mortality excess for non-neoplastic respiratory diseases was mainly due to silicosis. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides additional support for an association between talc in mining and milling and non-neoplastic respiratory diseases, while showing no significant excess risk for lung cancer and mesothelioma. The results also provide additional information of interest to evaluate the potential association between silica and lung cancer.