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Papers by Maria Quarto

Research paper thumbnail of Sorrentina Peninsula: Geographical Distribution of the Indoor Radon Concentrations in Dwellings—Gini Index Application

Applied Sciences, 2021

The radon isotope (222Rn, half-life 3.8 days) is a radioactive byproduct of the 238U decay chain.... more The radon isotope (222Rn, half-life 3.8 days) is a radioactive byproduct of the 238U decay chain. Because radon is the second biggest cause of lung cancer after smoking, dense maps of indoor radon concentration are required to implement effective locally based risk reduction strategies. In this regard, we present an innovative method for the construction of interpolated maps (kriging) based on the Gini index computation to characterize the distribution of Rn concentration. The Gini coefficient variogram has been shown to be an effective predictor of radon concentration inhomogeneity. It allows for a better constraint of the critical distance below which the radon geological source can be considered uniform, at least for the investigated length scales of variability; it also better distinguishes fluctuations due to environmental predisposing factors from those due to random spatially uncorrelated noise. This method has been shown to be effective in finding larger-scale geographical c...

Research paper thumbnail of Photodynamic therapy with topical d-aminolaevulinic acid for the treatment of plantar warts

J Photochem Photobiol B Biol, 2001

Research paper thumbnail of Optical parameters measurements by collimated light transmission

Spie Proceedings Series, 1998

Research paper thumbnail of Indocyanine green: A candidate for photodinamic therapy of prostate cancer

Research paper thumbnail of Indoor radon concentration and gamma dose rate in dwellings of the Province of Naples, South Italy, and estimation of the effective dose to the inhabitants

Radioprotection, 2016

The indoor radon concentration was measured in 471 dwellings in the Province of Naples. Radon con... more The indoor radon concentration was measured in 471 dwellings in the Province of Naples. Radon concentration measurements were carried out using LR-115 passive alpha track detectors (SSNTDs) that were exposed for two consecutive semesters. The annual average radon concentration in the dwellings was found to vary from 21 to 722 Bq m −3 with an average value of 107 ± 75 Bq m −3. In about 93% of the dwellings the radon concentrations were found to be below 200 Bq m −3 , which is the recommended level by Italian law for new buildings. Simultaneously with the radon concentration measurements, indoor gamma dose rates were measured in 388 dwellings. Indoor gamma dose rates were measured using Thermoluminescent Dosimeters (TLDs) exposed in each dwelling for six months. The arithmetic mean value was found to be 327 ± 102 nGy h −1 , after the subtraction of the cosmic ray contribution. A weak correlation between the indoor radon concentration and gamma dose rate was found. The correlation between indoor radon measurements and gamma dose rates and the same building characteristics was also studied.

Research paper thumbnail of Radon Exposure Assessment and Relative Effective Dose Estimation to Inhabitants of Puglia Region, South Italy

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2015

Indoor radon concentrations were measured in dwellings of the Puglia region in Southern Italy usi... more Indoor radon concentrations were measured in dwellings of the Puglia region in Southern Italy using LR-115 passive detectors. The results show that the radon concentrations varied from 15 ± 2 to 2166 ± 133 Bq/m 3 with a geometric mean of 114 Bq/m 3 and a geometric standard deviation of 2.3. An analysis on the factors affecting radon concentration such as age of the dwellings, floors, and stories, was performed. The mean effective dose to inhabitants has been calculated and found to be 8.2 mSv/y. Finally, for estimation of cancer risks, the lifetime risk and lung cancer cases per years per million have been calculated.

Research paper thumbnail of X-Ray Irradiation Affects Morphology, Proliferation and Migration Rate of Healthy and Cancer Cells

Journal of Mechanics in Medicine and Biology, 2015

Cytoskeleton plays a central role in many cellular processes, such as migration, adhesion and pro... more Cytoskeleton plays a central role in many cellular processes, such as migration, adhesion and proliferation. Alterations of its structural properties are commonly associated with different diseases (malignancy, cardiac hypertrophy, etc.). In this work, we studied the effects of X-radiations on cytoskeleton architecture of two cell lines: BALBc/3T3 and Simian virus 40-transformed BALBc/3T3 (SVT2) cells. In agreement with the current literature, we observed reduced adhesion and increased motility of SVT2 cells respect to non-transformed BALBc/3T3. In addition, we showed that two different doses of X-rays (1 and 2 Gy) increased cell-dish adhesiveness and reduced cell proliferation and cell motility of transformed cells, whereas minor effects were measured on the normal counterpart. These results suggested that low doses or fractioning of X-rays may have a normalization effect on the investigated parameters for the transformed cell phenotype.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of X-Irradiation on Cell Morphology, Cytoskeleton Network and Adhesion

Research paper thumbnail of Elevated Expression of the Tyrosine Phosphatase SHP-1 Defines a Subset of High-Grade Breast Tumors

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of Dose Homogeneity in Cone-Beam Breast Computed Tomography

Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 2017

The aim of this study is to determine, via measurements on phantoms and Monte Carlo (MC) simulati... more The aim of this study is to determine, via measurements on phantoms and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations, the dose distribution of absorbed dose in a cone-beam breast computed tomography scan. The absorbed dose volume distribution was measured inside a polyethylene cylindrical phantom, simulating adipose breast tissue, using LiF:Mg,Ti thermoluminescence dosimeters. A reasonable agreement (between 2 and 8%) between the simulated and measured data was observed. The 3D distribution of absorbed dose was evaluated at 40, 60 and 80 kV in a phantom simulating a pendant breast. MC simulations indicate a significantly lower spread of volume dose than in mammography. The dose variation along the radial distance in the simulated phantoms was in the range of 4‒14%. These findings might be useful when devising models for breast imaging dose assessment that take into account the uneven distribution of the glandular mass in the breast volume.

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of Social and Cultural Engagement and Dieting on Well-Being and Resilience in a Group of Residents in the Metropolitan Area of Naples

Journal of Aging Research, 2016

Social isolation and exclusion are associated with poor health status and premature death. A numb... more Social isolation and exclusion are associated with poor health status and premature death. A number of related isolation factors, inadequate transportation system and restrictions in individuals’ life space, have been associated with malnutrition in older adults. Since eating is a social event, isolation can have a negative effect on nutrition. Cultural involvement and participation in interactive activities are essential tools to fight social isolation, and they can counteract the detrimental effects of social isolation on health. To provide data supporting the hypothesis that encouraging participation might represent an innovative preventive and health promoting strategy for healthy living and aging, we developed anad hocquestionnaire to investigate the relationship between cultural participation, well-being, and resilience in a sample of residents in the metropolitan area of Naples. The questionnaire includes a question on adherence to diet or to a special nutritional regimen; in...

Research paper thumbnail of Contributo della radiazione gamma diretta alla dose efficace indoor di origine naturale. Il caso della Campania

Registrazione del Tribunale di Milano n. 228 del 10 aprile 2008 Distribuzione gratuita ai soci AI... more Registrazione del Tribunale di Milano n. 228 del 10 aprile 2008 Distribuzione gratuita ai soci AIRP Tutti i soci dell'AIRP sono vivamente invitati a contribuire al Bollettino inviando articoli, commenti, recensioni, notizie e informazioni su argomenti di specifico interesse per la radioprotezione. I contributi dovranno essere firmati dall'autore o dagli autori. Gli articoli pubblicati riflettono esclusivamente le opinioni Articoli Introduzione agli aspetti radiobiologici delle emergenze radiologiche e nucleari: effetti e dosimetria Anna Giovanetti Le emergenze CBRN indicano l'emissione illecita di sostanze di tipo chimico, biologico, radiologico e nucleare. Il termine nucleare (N) è riferito all'esplosione di ordigni nucleari e alle relative conseguenze, mentre il termine radiologico (R) riguarda tutte le altre forme d'emissione, in particolare quelle causate da ordigni con dispersione radioattiva (bombe sporche). Le emergenze CBRN potrebbero manifestarsi con diversi tipi di modalità: attacco a reattore nucleare, sabotaggio o manomissione degli impianti di un reattore nucleare, furto di combustibile nucleare o di scorie radioattive, acquisto di materiali radioattivi per la costruzione di un ordigno nucleare o radiologico o furto di un'arma nucleare. Un esempio di emergenza radiologica è rappresentato dall'incidente di Goiânia, Brasile, nel 1987, quando un vecchio apparecchio contenente cesio 137 utilizzato in radioterapia fu rubato da un ospedale abbandonato e smontato per rivenderlo come rottame. I sintomi della ARS si manifestarono subito ma non vennero riconosciuti, in seguito la capsula contenente il cesio venne forata e poichè il materiale interno emetteva una fluorescenza blu molte persone la vollero vedere e toccare. Dopo le prime vittime la capsula con il cesio fu portata in un ospedale e scattò l'allarme. Circa 130.000 persone invasero gli ospedali, su 250 furono trovati residui radioattivi sulla pelle e 20 persone mostrarono segni di ARS rendendo necessario lo specifico trattamento medico. 1. EFFETTI BIOLOGICI Il danno da radiazioni è casuato dalla loro interazione diretta con le strutture biologiche, o indirettamente tramite la formazione di radicali liberi. I sistemi di riparazione cellulare sono efficaci per i ratei di dose bassi, ma possono non funzionare per quelli alti. Ad alte dosi si ha morte cellulare. Se il numero delle cellule è limitato e se le cellule non sono critiche per la sopravvivenza gli effetti clinici possono essere trascurabili. Se invece c'è una grande perdita di cellule o se queste sono essenziali per il funzionamento di un organo, si manifestano dei sintomi clinici. In generale le cellule più sensibili sono quelle in rapida divisione come quelle della mucosa intestinale o del midollo. Per dosi inferiori a 1.0 Gy (100 rad), il danno immediato è limitato, la maggior parte delle cellule sopravvive, ma si possono verificare nel tempo trasformazioni neoplastiche. I soggetti che necessitano di più il trattamento medico sono quelli esposti a 2-6 Gy. In assenza di trattamento la dose letale 50 in 30 giorni è 3,5 Gy. Tabella 1 |Schematizzazione degli effetti radio-indotti. SOMATICI (su individuo esposto) Deterministici ARS, sindrome ematopoietica, dermatiti, infertilità, cataratta (?)... Stocastici Tumori solidi, leucemie, effetti no-cancer GENETICI (sulla progenie) Stocastici Mutazioni geniche Aberrazioni cromosomiche 1.1. EFFETTI DETERMINISTICI Gli effetti determistici compaiono solo al superamento di una dose-soglia specifica per ogni tipo di sintomo, il superamento di tale soglia comporta l'insorgenza dell'effetto in tutti i soggetti irraggiati, sia pure nell'ambito della variabilità individuale. Il valore della dose-soglia è anche funzione della distribuzione temporale della dose. Il periodo di latenza è solitamente breve (giorni o settimane), ma in alcuni casi l'insorgenza è tardiva (mesi o anni). La gravità delle manifestazioni cliniche aumenta con l'aumentare della dose. Per esempio nel caso di dermatite radio-indotta: >3 Gy: caduta dei peli a partire da 14-21 giorni dopo l'incidente. •

Research paper thumbnail of X-rays Effects on Cytoskeleton Mechanics of Healthy and Tumor Cells

Cytoskeleton, 2016

Alterations in the cytoskeleton structure are frequently found in several diseases and particular... more Alterations in the cytoskeleton structure are frequently found in several diseases and particularly in cancer cells. It is also through the alterations of the cytoskeleton structure that cancer cells acquire most of their common features such as uncontrolled cell proliferation, cell death evasion, and the gaining of migratory and invasive characteristics. Although radiation therapies currently represent one of the most effective treatments for patients, the effects of X-irradiation on the cytoskeleton architecture are still poorly understood. In this case we investigated the effects, over time of two different doses of X-ray irradiation, on cell cytoskeletons of BALB/c3T3 and Sv40-transformed BALB/c 3T3 cells (SVT2). Biophysical parameters - focal adhesion size, actin bundles organization, and cell mechanical properties - were measured before and after irradiations (1 and 2 Gy) at 24 and 72 h, comparing the cytoskeleton properties of normal and transformed cells. The differences, before and after X-irradiation, were revealed in terms of cell morphology and deformability. Finally, such parameters were correlated to the alterations of cytoskeleton dynamics by evaluating cell adhesion at the level of focal adhesion and cytoskeleton mechanics. X-irradiation modifies the structure and the activity of cell cytoskeleton in a dose-dependent manner. For transformed cells, radiation sensitively increased cell adhesion, as indicated by paxillin-rich focal adhesion, flat morphology, a well-organized actin cytoskeleton, and intracellular mechanics. On the other hand, for normal fibroblasts IR had negligible effects on cytoskeletal and adhesive protein organization. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Research paper thumbnail of EFFECT OF X-IRRADIATION ON CELL MORPHOLOGY, CYTOSKELETON NETWORK AND ADHESION

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

TheScientificWorldJournal, 2014

Plants can be exposed to ionising radiation not only in Space but also on Earth, due to specific ... more 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 irra...

Research paper thumbnail of Molecular aspects of photodynamic therapy: low energy pre-sensitization of hypericin-loaded human endometrial carcinoma cells enhances photo-tolerance, alters gene expression and affects the cell cycle

FEBS Letters, 2002

Photosensitization of HEC1-B cells with a low concentration of hypericin and doses of light below... more Photosensitization of HEC1-B cells with a low concentration of hypericin and doses of light below 10 J/cm 2 caused cell death (apoptosis occurred mainly at doses between 2 and 5 J/cm 2 , whereas necrosis prevailed above 6 J/cm 2 ). However, pre-exposure of cells to innocuous irradiation (2 J/cm 2 ) and successive challenge with a light dose that normally induced apoptosis (5 J/cm 2 ) altered the expression of the proteins involved in the regulation of apoptosis, stress response and cell cycle. This change resulted in a significant increase in cell phototolerance. ß

Research paper thumbnail of Indoor Radon and Lung Cancer

Epidemiology, 2003

... Hélène Baysson. Margot Tirmarche. Klervi Leuraud. Dominique Laurier. Institute for Radiologic... more ... Hélène Baysson. Margot Tirmarche. Klervi Leuraud. Dominique Laurier. Institute for Radiological Protection and. Nuclear Safety (IRSN). ... 6. Kreuzer M, Heinrich J, Wolke G, et al. Resi-dential radon and risk of lung cancer in Eastern Germany. Epidemiology. 2003;14:559-568. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Residential radon exposure, diet and lung cancer: A case-control study in a Mediterranean region

International Journal of Cancer, 2005

We performed a case-control study in Lazio, a region in central Italy characterized by high level... more We performed a case-control study in Lazio, a region in central Italy characterized by high levels of indoor radon, Mediterranean climate and diet. Cases (384) and controls (404) aged 35-90 years were recruited in the hospital. Detailed information regarding smoking, diet and other risk factors were collected by direct interview. Residential history during the 30-year period ending 5 years before enrolment was ascertained. In each dwelling, radon detectors were placed in both the main bedroom and the living room for 2 consecutive 6-month periods. We computed odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for time-weighted radon concentrations using both categorical and continuous unconditional logistic regression analysis and adjusting for smoking, diet and other variables. Radon measurements were available from 89% and 91% of the time period for cases and controls, respectively. The adjusted ORs were 1.30 (1.03-1.64), 1.48 (1.08 -2.02), 1.49 (0.82-2.71) and 2.89 (0.45-18.6) for 50 -99, 100 -199, 200 -399 and 400؉ Bq/m 3 , respectively, compared with 0؊49 Bq/m 3 (OR ‫؍‬ 1; 0.56 -1.79). The excess odds ratio (EOR) per 100 Bq/m 3 was 0.14 (؊0.11, 0.46) for all subjects, 0.24 (؊0.09, 0.70) for subjects with complete radon measurements and 0.30 (؊0.08, 0.82) for subjects who had lived in 1 or 2 dwellings. There was a tendency of higher risk estimates among subjects with low-medium consumption of dietary antioxidants (EOR ‫؍‬ 0.32; ؊0.19, 1.16) and for adenocarcinoma, small cell and epidermoid cancers. This study indicates an association, although generally not statistically significant, between residential radon and lung cancer with both categorical and continuous analyses. Subjects with presumably lower uncertainty in the exposure assessment showed a higher risk. Dietary antioxidants may act as an effect modifier.

Research paper thumbnail of Quality assurance program for LR 115 based radon concentration measurements in a case-control study: description and results

Radiation Measurements, 2003

A case-control study on lung cancer and radon exposure in dwellings has been carried out in Lazio... more A case-control study on lung cancer and radon exposure in dwellings has been carried out in Lazio, a high indoor radon region of Central Italy. A total of about 400 cases and 400 controls were recruited and radon concentration was measured in a total of about 1850 dwellings. In each dwelling, radon concentration measurement devices were placed in both the main bedroom and living room for two consecutive six-month periods. Each radon device, enclosed in a sealed polyethylene bag, contains two LR 115 detectors, each being covered by a thin absorber to reduce the alpha-energy within the detector sensitive range. A quality assurance program, described in this paper, was applied in order to reduce radon concentration measurement uncertainty, which have a signiÿcant impact on the results of an epidemiological study. The reported internal quality control and intercomparison results are compared with the results of other studies, and show that the radon measurement precision and accuracy obtained in this study can be considered quite good.

Research paper thumbnail of Stima della sopravvivenza in una popolazione italiana socialmente attiva colpita da infarto acuto del miocardio: periodo di osservazione 1994-2002

Giornale italiano di cardiologia

Research paper thumbnail of Sorrentina Peninsula: Geographical Distribution of the Indoor Radon Concentrations in Dwellings—Gini Index Application

Applied Sciences, 2021

The radon isotope (222Rn, half-life 3.8 days) is a radioactive byproduct of the 238U decay chain.... more The radon isotope (222Rn, half-life 3.8 days) is a radioactive byproduct of the 238U decay chain. Because radon is the second biggest cause of lung cancer after smoking, dense maps of indoor radon concentration are required to implement effective locally based risk reduction strategies. In this regard, we present an innovative method for the construction of interpolated maps (kriging) based on the Gini index computation to characterize the distribution of Rn concentration. The Gini coefficient variogram has been shown to be an effective predictor of radon concentration inhomogeneity. It allows for a better constraint of the critical distance below which the radon geological source can be considered uniform, at least for the investigated length scales of variability; it also better distinguishes fluctuations due to environmental predisposing factors from those due to random spatially uncorrelated noise. This method has been shown to be effective in finding larger-scale geographical c...

Research paper thumbnail of Photodynamic therapy with topical d-aminolaevulinic acid for the treatment of plantar warts

J Photochem Photobiol B Biol, 2001

Research paper thumbnail of Optical parameters measurements by collimated light transmission

Spie Proceedings Series, 1998

Research paper thumbnail of Indocyanine green: A candidate for photodinamic therapy of prostate cancer

Research paper thumbnail of Indoor radon concentration and gamma dose rate in dwellings of the Province of Naples, South Italy, and estimation of the effective dose to the inhabitants

Radioprotection, 2016

The indoor radon concentration was measured in 471 dwellings in the Province of Naples. Radon con... more The indoor radon concentration was measured in 471 dwellings in the Province of Naples. Radon concentration measurements were carried out using LR-115 passive alpha track detectors (SSNTDs) that were exposed for two consecutive semesters. The annual average radon concentration in the dwellings was found to vary from 21 to 722 Bq m −3 with an average value of 107 ± 75 Bq m −3. In about 93% of the dwellings the radon concentrations were found to be below 200 Bq m −3 , which is the recommended level by Italian law for new buildings. Simultaneously with the radon concentration measurements, indoor gamma dose rates were measured in 388 dwellings. Indoor gamma dose rates were measured using Thermoluminescent Dosimeters (TLDs) exposed in each dwelling for six months. The arithmetic mean value was found to be 327 ± 102 nGy h −1 , after the subtraction of the cosmic ray contribution. A weak correlation between the indoor radon concentration and gamma dose rate was found. The correlation between indoor radon measurements and gamma dose rates and the same building characteristics was also studied.

Research paper thumbnail of Radon Exposure Assessment and Relative Effective Dose Estimation to Inhabitants of Puglia Region, South Italy

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2015

Indoor radon concentrations were measured in dwellings of the Puglia region in Southern Italy usi... more Indoor radon concentrations were measured in dwellings of the Puglia region in Southern Italy using LR-115 passive detectors. The results show that the radon concentrations varied from 15 ± 2 to 2166 ± 133 Bq/m 3 with a geometric mean of 114 Bq/m 3 and a geometric standard deviation of 2.3. An analysis on the factors affecting radon concentration such as age of the dwellings, floors, and stories, was performed. The mean effective dose to inhabitants has been calculated and found to be 8.2 mSv/y. Finally, for estimation of cancer risks, the lifetime risk and lung cancer cases per years per million have been calculated.

Research paper thumbnail of X-Ray Irradiation Affects Morphology, Proliferation and Migration Rate of Healthy and Cancer Cells

Journal of Mechanics in Medicine and Biology, 2015

Cytoskeleton plays a central role in many cellular processes, such as migration, adhesion and pro... more Cytoskeleton plays a central role in many cellular processes, such as migration, adhesion and proliferation. Alterations of its structural properties are commonly associated with different diseases (malignancy, cardiac hypertrophy, etc.). In this work, we studied the effects of X-radiations on cytoskeleton architecture of two cell lines: BALBc/3T3 and Simian virus 40-transformed BALBc/3T3 (SVT2) cells. In agreement with the current literature, we observed reduced adhesion and increased motility of SVT2 cells respect to non-transformed BALBc/3T3. In addition, we showed that two different doses of X-rays (1 and 2 Gy) increased cell-dish adhesiveness and reduced cell proliferation and cell motility of transformed cells, whereas minor effects were measured on the normal counterpart. These results suggested that low doses or fractioning of X-rays may have a normalization effect on the investigated parameters for the transformed cell phenotype.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of X-Irradiation on Cell Morphology, Cytoskeleton Network and Adhesion

Research paper thumbnail of Elevated Expression of the Tyrosine Phosphatase SHP-1 Defines a Subset of High-Grade Breast Tumors

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of Dose Homogeneity in Cone-Beam Breast Computed Tomography

Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 2017

The aim of this study is to determine, via measurements on phantoms and Monte Carlo (MC) simulati... more The aim of this study is to determine, via measurements on phantoms and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations, the dose distribution of absorbed dose in a cone-beam breast computed tomography scan. The absorbed dose volume distribution was measured inside a polyethylene cylindrical phantom, simulating adipose breast tissue, using LiF:Mg,Ti thermoluminescence dosimeters. A reasonable agreement (between 2 and 8%) between the simulated and measured data was observed. The 3D distribution of absorbed dose was evaluated at 40, 60 and 80 kV in a phantom simulating a pendant breast. MC simulations indicate a significantly lower spread of volume dose than in mammography. The dose variation along the radial distance in the simulated phantoms was in the range of 4‒14%. These findings might be useful when devising models for breast imaging dose assessment that take into account the uneven distribution of the glandular mass in the breast volume.

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of Social and Cultural Engagement and Dieting on Well-Being and Resilience in a Group of Residents in the Metropolitan Area of Naples

Journal of Aging Research, 2016

Social isolation and exclusion are associated with poor health status and premature death. A numb... more Social isolation and exclusion are associated with poor health status and premature death. A number of related isolation factors, inadequate transportation system and restrictions in individuals’ life space, have been associated with malnutrition in older adults. Since eating is a social event, isolation can have a negative effect on nutrition. Cultural involvement and participation in interactive activities are essential tools to fight social isolation, and they can counteract the detrimental effects of social isolation on health. To provide data supporting the hypothesis that encouraging participation might represent an innovative preventive and health promoting strategy for healthy living and aging, we developed anad hocquestionnaire to investigate the relationship between cultural participation, well-being, and resilience in a sample of residents in the metropolitan area of Naples. The questionnaire includes a question on adherence to diet or to a special nutritional regimen; in...

Research paper thumbnail of Contributo della radiazione gamma diretta alla dose efficace indoor di origine naturale. Il caso della Campania

Registrazione del Tribunale di Milano n. 228 del 10 aprile 2008 Distribuzione gratuita ai soci AI... more Registrazione del Tribunale di Milano n. 228 del 10 aprile 2008 Distribuzione gratuita ai soci AIRP Tutti i soci dell'AIRP sono vivamente invitati a contribuire al Bollettino inviando articoli, commenti, recensioni, notizie e informazioni su argomenti di specifico interesse per la radioprotezione. I contributi dovranno essere firmati dall'autore o dagli autori. Gli articoli pubblicati riflettono esclusivamente le opinioni Articoli Introduzione agli aspetti radiobiologici delle emergenze radiologiche e nucleari: effetti e dosimetria Anna Giovanetti Le emergenze CBRN indicano l'emissione illecita di sostanze di tipo chimico, biologico, radiologico e nucleare. Il termine nucleare (N) è riferito all'esplosione di ordigni nucleari e alle relative conseguenze, mentre il termine radiologico (R) riguarda tutte le altre forme d'emissione, in particolare quelle causate da ordigni con dispersione radioattiva (bombe sporche). Le emergenze CBRN potrebbero manifestarsi con diversi tipi di modalità: attacco a reattore nucleare, sabotaggio o manomissione degli impianti di un reattore nucleare, furto di combustibile nucleare o di scorie radioattive, acquisto di materiali radioattivi per la costruzione di un ordigno nucleare o radiologico o furto di un'arma nucleare. Un esempio di emergenza radiologica è rappresentato dall'incidente di Goiânia, Brasile, nel 1987, quando un vecchio apparecchio contenente cesio 137 utilizzato in radioterapia fu rubato da un ospedale abbandonato e smontato per rivenderlo come rottame. I sintomi della ARS si manifestarono subito ma non vennero riconosciuti, in seguito la capsula contenente il cesio venne forata e poichè il materiale interno emetteva una fluorescenza blu molte persone la vollero vedere e toccare. Dopo le prime vittime la capsula con il cesio fu portata in un ospedale e scattò l'allarme. Circa 130.000 persone invasero gli ospedali, su 250 furono trovati residui radioattivi sulla pelle e 20 persone mostrarono segni di ARS rendendo necessario lo specifico trattamento medico. 1. EFFETTI BIOLOGICI Il danno da radiazioni è casuato dalla loro interazione diretta con le strutture biologiche, o indirettamente tramite la formazione di radicali liberi. I sistemi di riparazione cellulare sono efficaci per i ratei di dose bassi, ma possono non funzionare per quelli alti. Ad alte dosi si ha morte cellulare. Se il numero delle cellule è limitato e se le cellule non sono critiche per la sopravvivenza gli effetti clinici possono essere trascurabili. Se invece c'è una grande perdita di cellule o se queste sono essenziali per il funzionamento di un organo, si manifestano dei sintomi clinici. In generale le cellule più sensibili sono quelle in rapida divisione come quelle della mucosa intestinale o del midollo. Per dosi inferiori a 1.0 Gy (100 rad), il danno immediato è limitato, la maggior parte delle cellule sopravvive, ma si possono verificare nel tempo trasformazioni neoplastiche. I soggetti che necessitano di più il trattamento medico sono quelli esposti a 2-6 Gy. In assenza di trattamento la dose letale 50 in 30 giorni è 3,5 Gy. Tabella 1 |Schematizzazione degli effetti radio-indotti. SOMATICI (su individuo esposto) Deterministici ARS, sindrome ematopoietica, dermatiti, infertilità, cataratta (?)... Stocastici Tumori solidi, leucemie, effetti no-cancer GENETICI (sulla progenie) Stocastici Mutazioni geniche Aberrazioni cromosomiche 1.1. EFFETTI DETERMINISTICI Gli effetti determistici compaiono solo al superamento di una dose-soglia specifica per ogni tipo di sintomo, il superamento di tale soglia comporta l'insorgenza dell'effetto in tutti i soggetti irraggiati, sia pure nell'ambito della variabilità individuale. Il valore della dose-soglia è anche funzione della distribuzione temporale della dose. Il periodo di latenza è solitamente breve (giorni o settimane), ma in alcuni casi l'insorgenza è tardiva (mesi o anni). La gravità delle manifestazioni cliniche aumenta con l'aumentare della dose. Per esempio nel caso di dermatite radio-indotta: >3 Gy: caduta dei peli a partire da 14-21 giorni dopo l'incidente. •

Research paper thumbnail of X-rays Effects on Cytoskeleton Mechanics of Healthy and Tumor Cells

Cytoskeleton, 2016

Alterations in the cytoskeleton structure are frequently found in several diseases and particular... more Alterations in the cytoskeleton structure are frequently found in several diseases and particularly in cancer cells. It is also through the alterations of the cytoskeleton structure that cancer cells acquire most of their common features such as uncontrolled cell proliferation, cell death evasion, and the gaining of migratory and invasive characteristics. Although radiation therapies currently represent one of the most effective treatments for patients, the effects of X-irradiation on the cytoskeleton architecture are still poorly understood. In this case we investigated the effects, over time of two different doses of X-ray irradiation, on cell cytoskeletons of BALB/c3T3 and Sv40-transformed BALB/c 3T3 cells (SVT2). Biophysical parameters - focal adhesion size, actin bundles organization, and cell mechanical properties - were measured before and after irradiations (1 and 2 Gy) at 24 and 72 h, comparing the cytoskeleton properties of normal and transformed cells. The differences, before and after X-irradiation, were revealed in terms of cell morphology and deformability. Finally, such parameters were correlated to the alterations of cytoskeleton dynamics by evaluating cell adhesion at the level of focal adhesion and cytoskeleton mechanics. X-irradiation modifies the structure and the activity of cell cytoskeleton in a dose-dependent manner. For transformed cells, radiation sensitively increased cell adhesion, as indicated by paxillin-rich focal adhesion, flat morphology, a well-organized actin cytoskeleton, and intracellular mechanics. On the other hand, for normal fibroblasts IR had negligible effects on cytoskeletal and adhesive protein organization. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Research paper thumbnail of EFFECT OF X-IRRADIATION ON CELL MORPHOLOGY, CYTOSKELETON NETWORK AND ADHESION

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

TheScientificWorldJournal, 2014

Plants can be exposed to ionising radiation not only in Space but also on Earth, due to specific ... more 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 irra...

Research paper thumbnail of Molecular aspects of photodynamic therapy: low energy pre-sensitization of hypericin-loaded human endometrial carcinoma cells enhances photo-tolerance, alters gene expression and affects the cell cycle

FEBS Letters, 2002

Photosensitization of HEC1-B cells with a low concentration of hypericin and doses of light below... more Photosensitization of HEC1-B cells with a low concentration of hypericin and doses of light below 10 J/cm 2 caused cell death (apoptosis occurred mainly at doses between 2 and 5 J/cm 2 , whereas necrosis prevailed above 6 J/cm 2 ). However, pre-exposure of cells to innocuous irradiation (2 J/cm 2 ) and successive challenge with a light dose that normally induced apoptosis (5 J/cm 2 ) altered the expression of the proteins involved in the regulation of apoptosis, stress response and cell cycle. This change resulted in a significant increase in cell phototolerance. ß

Research paper thumbnail of Indoor Radon and Lung Cancer

Epidemiology, 2003

... Hélène Baysson. Margot Tirmarche. Klervi Leuraud. Dominique Laurier. Institute for Radiologic... more ... Hélène Baysson. Margot Tirmarche. Klervi Leuraud. Dominique Laurier. Institute for Radiological Protection and. Nuclear Safety (IRSN). ... 6. Kreuzer M, Heinrich J, Wolke G, et al. Resi-dential radon and risk of lung cancer in Eastern Germany. Epidemiology. 2003;14:559-568. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Residential radon exposure, diet and lung cancer: A case-control study in a Mediterranean region

International Journal of Cancer, 2005

We performed a case-control study in Lazio, a region in central Italy characterized by high level... more We performed a case-control study in Lazio, a region in central Italy characterized by high levels of indoor radon, Mediterranean climate and diet. Cases (384) and controls (404) aged 35-90 years were recruited in the hospital. Detailed information regarding smoking, diet and other risk factors were collected by direct interview. Residential history during the 30-year period ending 5 years before enrolment was ascertained. In each dwelling, radon detectors were placed in both the main bedroom and the living room for 2 consecutive 6-month periods. We computed odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for time-weighted radon concentrations using both categorical and continuous unconditional logistic regression analysis and adjusting for smoking, diet and other variables. Radon measurements were available from 89% and 91% of the time period for cases and controls, respectively. The adjusted ORs were 1.30 (1.03-1.64), 1.48 (1.08 -2.02), 1.49 (0.82-2.71) and 2.89 (0.45-18.6) for 50 -99, 100 -199, 200 -399 and 400؉ Bq/m 3 , respectively, compared with 0؊49 Bq/m 3 (OR ‫؍‬ 1; 0.56 -1.79). The excess odds ratio (EOR) per 100 Bq/m 3 was 0.14 (؊0.11, 0.46) for all subjects, 0.24 (؊0.09, 0.70) for subjects with complete radon measurements and 0.30 (؊0.08, 0.82) for subjects who had lived in 1 or 2 dwellings. There was a tendency of higher risk estimates among subjects with low-medium consumption of dietary antioxidants (EOR ‫؍‬ 0.32; ؊0.19, 1.16) and for adenocarcinoma, small cell and epidermoid cancers. This study indicates an association, although generally not statistically significant, between residential radon and lung cancer with both categorical and continuous analyses. Subjects with presumably lower uncertainty in the exposure assessment showed a higher risk. Dietary antioxidants may act as an effect modifier.

Research paper thumbnail of Quality assurance program for LR 115 based radon concentration measurements in a case-control study: description and results

Radiation Measurements, 2003

A case-control study on lung cancer and radon exposure in dwellings has been carried out in Lazio... more A case-control study on lung cancer and radon exposure in dwellings has been carried out in Lazio, a high indoor radon region of Central Italy. A total of about 400 cases and 400 controls were recruited and radon concentration was measured in a total of about 1850 dwellings. In each dwelling, radon concentration measurement devices were placed in both the main bedroom and living room for two consecutive six-month periods. Each radon device, enclosed in a sealed polyethylene bag, contains two LR 115 detectors, each being covered by a thin absorber to reduce the alpha-energy within the detector sensitive range. A quality assurance program, described in this paper, was applied in order to reduce radon concentration measurement uncertainty, which have a signiÿcant impact on the results of an epidemiological study. The reported internal quality control and intercomparison results are compared with the results of other studies, and show that the radon measurement precision and accuracy obtained in this study can be considered quite good.

Research paper thumbnail of Stima della sopravvivenza in una popolazione italiana socialmente attiva colpita da infarto acuto del miocardio: periodo di osservazione 1994-2002

Giornale italiano di cardiologia