Search Results (8)

The deterioration of stone materials due to atmospheric factors is a growing global concern, affecting the integrity and preservation of numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites around the world. This study provides an estimate of the long-term impact of the climate on the degradation of carbonate stone materials in the UNESCO site of Matera, in southern Italy. Focusing on Gravina calcarenite, a lithotype susceptible to weathering, the research integrates satellite-derived precipitation data from the Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS) with a dose-response model. The method involves the calibration of CHIRPS precipitation records against ground-based meteorological data, and the use of year-specific recession coefficients K_y dynamically computed as a function of atmospheric CO₂ concentration and temperature. These coefficients were applied within a Lipfert-based equation to estimate annual surface recession from 1981 to 2040 (near future). The results reveal a continuous increase in surface degradation over time, with the cumulative material loss reaching approximately 0.75 mm by 2040. These findings underscore the relevance of climate-responsive models in estimating stone decay and provide a critical basis for adaptive conservation planning. Incorporating future climate projections into risk assessments is essential for the sustainable preservation of carbonate-based cultural heritage exposed to atmospheric and hydrological stressors. Full article

Objectives: CD11B/ITGAM (Integrin Subunit α M) mediates the adhesion of monocytes, macrophages, and granulocytes and promotes the phagocytosis of complement-coated particles. Variants of the ITGAM gene are candidates for genetic susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SNP rs1143679 (R77H) of CD11B particularly increases the risk of developing SLE. Deficiency of CD11B is linked to premature extra-osseous calcification, as seen in the cartilage of animals with osteoarthritis. Serum calcification propensity measured by the T50 test is a surrogate marker for systemic calcification and reflects increased cardiovascular (CV) risk. We aimed to assess whether the CD11B R77H gene variant is associated with a higher serum calcification propensity (i.e., a lower T50 value) in SLE patients compared to the wild-type allele (WT). Methods: Cross-sectional study incorporating adults with SLE genotyped for the CD11B variant R77H and assessed for serum calcification propensity with the T50 method. Participants were included in a multicenter trans-disciplinary cohort and fulfilled the 1997 revised American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for SLE. We used descriptive statistics for comparing baseline characteristics and sequential T50 measurements in subjects with the R77H variant vs. WT CD11B. Results: Of the 167 patients, 108 (65%) were G/G (WT), 53 (32%) were G/A heterozygous, and 6 (3%) were A/A homozygous for the R77H variant. A/A patients cumulated more ACR criteria upon inclusion (7 ± 2 vs. 5 ± 1 in G/G and G/A; p = 0.02). There were no differences between the groups in terms of global disease activity, kidney involvement, and chronic renal failure. Complement C3 levels were lower in A/A individuals compared to others (0.6 ± 0.08 vs. 0.9 ± 0.25 g/L; p = 0.02). Baseline T50 did not differ between the groups (A/A 278 ± 42′ vs. 297 ± 50′ in G/G and G/A; p = 0.28). Considering all sequential T50 test results, serum calcification propensity was significantly increased in A/A individuals compared to others (253 ± 50 vs. 290 ± 54; p = 0.008). Conclusions: SLE patients with homozygosity for the R77H variant and repeated T50 assessment displayed an increased serum calcification propensity (i.e., a lower T50) and lower C3 levels compared to heterozygous and WT CD11B, without differing with respect to global disease activity and kidney involvement. This suggests an increased CV risk in SLE patients homozygous for the R77H variant of CD11B. Full article

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most common type of genetic variation among people. Genome Wide Association studies (GWASs) have generated multiple genetic variants associated with prostate cancer (PC) risk. Taking into account previously identified genetic susceptibility variants, the purpose of our study was to determine the cumulative association between four common SNPs and the overall PC risk. A total of 78 specimens from both PC and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) patients were included in the study. Genotyping of all selected SNPs was performed using the TaqMan assay. The association between each SNP and the PC risk was assessed individually and collectively. Analysis of the association between individual SNPs and PC risk revealed that only the rs4054823 polymorphism was significantly associated with PC, and not with BPH (p < 0.001). Statistical analysis also showed that the heterozygous genotype of the rs2735839 polymorphism is more common within the BPH group than in the PC group (p = 0.042). The cumulative effect of high-risk alleles on PC was analyzed using a logistic regression model. As a result, the carriers of at least one risk allele copy in each particular region had a cumulative odd ratio (OR) of 1.42 times, compared to subjects who did not have any of these factors. In addition, the combination of these four genetic variants increased the overall risk of PC by 52%. Our study provides further evidence of the cumulative effects of genetic risk factors on overall PC risk. These results should encourage future research to explain the interactions between known susceptibility variants and their contribution to the development and progression of PC disease. Full article

Human exposure to phthalate esters (PAEs) via drinking water has generated public health concerns due to their endocrine disruptive abilities. This study reports on the occurrence and fate of six PAEs in raw and tap water samples collected from provincial waterworks located in Songkhla Province, Southern Thailand. In addition, the daily exposure and cumulative health risk of susceptible populations due to drinking tap water were evaluated by using four different reference dose (RfDs) sources. The maximum concentrations of PAEs in raw water were between 1.68 and 4.84 and 0.52 and 1.24 µg/L in tap water. Moreover, the levels of PAEs in the tap water samples indicated the poor PAEs removal efficiency of the conventional treatment process (59.9–69.1%). The contribution of water to the daily intake of PAEs did not exceed 0.37% in all the groups. Furthermore, both the individual and cumulative risk assessment showed negligible noncarcinogenic and antiandrogenic risk for all the groups. Nevertheless, the cumulative risk showed an increasing trend in the order of infants > lactating mothers > pregnant women > nonpregnant women, suggesting that infants are more vulnerable. In additional, the newly proposed RfDAA yielded higher hazard quotient and hazard index estimates, which indicates it is a more sensitive tool than other RfDs for the assessment of the individual and mixture risk of pollutants. The carcinogenic risk of DEHP was acceptable in every group. However, we recommend a future cumulative risk assessment of vulnerable groups considering their simultaneous exposure to all chemicals that have antiandrogenic effects via tap water. Full article

The various side effects of orthodontic treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances (FOAs) and their impact on apical and periodontal structures have been widely reported. However, the existing data is not yet conclusive. Aims and objectives: To investigate the status of roots and periodontium in endodontically treated teeth that have undergone orthodontic treatment with the use of FOAs and to evaluate their impact on apical/periodontal structures. Material and methods: The prospective clinical cohort study initially involved 69 participants aged 16–40, without underlying systemic conditions, who received orthodontic treatment with ligatureless FOA systems due to different types of mild and moderate malocclusions. To meet the required criteria, 88 teeth in 34 patients were assessed clinically and radiologically. Participants had at least one tooth treated endodontically while the corresponding tooth from the same anatomical group on the opposite side was vital and intact (a ‘split-mouth’ approach). Four cohorts were allocated: Group IA consisted of 15 teeth, treated utilising the principles of modern endodontics, that were subjected to orthodontic forces no less than six months after completing the root canal obturation. Group I consisted of 13 similarly endodontically treated teeth, which commenced orthodontic treatment at least six months after the completed endodontic therapy. Group II contained 16 teeth treated by conventional endodontic methods and the control group, Group III, contained 44 clinically and radiologically intact teeth (incisors and premolars) with vital and sound dental pulp. The response of apical and periodontal structures to FOAs was determined by data collected from intraoral periapical radiographs taken within the course of five consecutive appointments during the orthodontic treatment. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed in susceptibility to FOA-induced external apical root resorption (EARR) between combined Groups IA + IB and II. An association was, however, demonstrated, between the occurrence of EARR and the degree of expansion of the periodontal ligament (PDL) space, regardless the method of root canal treatment. Cumulative data revealed a positive correlation between the width of the PDL space and the stage of FOA treatment (the third and the fourth appointment). The subtle changes in radiological length of roots have been observed (min 0 mm/max 0.38 mm), particularly between the second and third appointment in Group II (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The standard orthodontic therapy with FOAs is a safe option with predictable outcome for persons who have recently received endodontic therapy. The anterior teeth, predominantly incisors, were more susceptible to minimal EARR than premolars, which suggests that the rate of EARR occurrence may depend upon the original morphology of the apical portion of the root. The use of additional orthodontic forces increases the risk of EARR and is associated with a higher incidence of radiologically detected PDL space widening. Full article

Exposure to high levels of estrogen is considered an important risk factor for susceptibility to breast cancer. Common polymorphisms in genes that affect estrogen levels may be associated with breast cancer risk, but no comprehensive study has been performed among Han Chinese women. In the present study, 32 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in estrogen-related genes were genotyped using the MassARRAY IPLEX platform in 1076 Han Chinese women. Genotypic and allelic frequencies were compared between case and control groups. Unconditional logistic regression was used to assess the effects of SNPs on breast cancer risk. Associations were also evaluated for breast cancer subtypes stratified by estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) status. Case-control analysis showed a significant relation between heterozygous genotypes of rs700519 and rs2069522 and breast cancer risk (OR = 0.723, 95% CI = 0.541–0.965, p = 0.028 and OR = 1.500, 95% CI = 1.078–2.087, p = 0.016, respectively). Subgroup comparisons revealed that rs2446405 and rs17268974 were related to ER status, and rs130021 was associated with PR status. Our findings suggest that rs700519 and rs2069522 are associated with susceptibility to breast cancer among the Han Chinese population and have a cumulative effect with three other identified SNPs. Further genetic and functional studies are needed to identify additional SNPs, and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Full article

Susceptibility to chemical toxins has not been adequately addressed in risk assessment methodologies. As a result, environmental policies may fail to meet their fundamental goal of protecting the public from harm. This study examines how characterization of risk may change when susceptibility is explicitly considered in policy development; in particular we examine the process used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set a National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for lead. To determine a NAAQS, EPA estimated air lead-related decreases in child neurocognitive function through a combination of multiple data elements including concentration-response (CR) functions. In this article, we present alternative scenarios for determining a lead NAAQS using CR functions developed in populations more susceptible to lead toxicity due to socioeconomic disadvantage. The use of CR functions developed in susceptible groups resulted in cognitive decrements greater than original EPA estimates. EPA’s analysis suggested that a standard level of 0.15 µg/m³ would fulfill decision criteria, but by incorporating susceptibility we found that options for the standard could reasonably be extended to lower levels. The use of data developed in susceptible populations would result in the selection of a more protective NAAQS under the same decision framework applied by EPA. Results are used to frame discussion regarding why cumulative risk assessment methodologies are needed to help inform policy development. Full article

There is strong presumptive evidence that people living in poverty and certain racial and ethnic groups bear a disproportionate burden of environmental health risk. Many have argued that conducting formal assessments of the health risk experienced by affected communities is both unnecessary and counterproductive—that instead of analyzing the situation our efforts should be devoted to fixing obvious problems and rectifying observable wrongs. We contend that formal assessment of cumulative health risks from combined effects of chemical and nonchemical stressors is a valuable tool to aid decision makers in choosing risk management options that are effective, efficient, and equitable. If used properly, cumulative risk assessment need not impair decision makers’ discretion, nor should it be used as an excuse for doing nothing in the face of evident harm. Good policy decisions require more than good intentions; they necessitate analysis of risk-related information along with careful consideration of economic issues, ethical and moral principles, legal precedents, political realities, cultural beliefs, societal values, and bureaucratic impediments. Cumulative risk assessment can provide a systematic and impartial means for informing policy decisions about environmental justice. Full article