The photosynthetic and photochemical adaptation of grapevine leaves to high UV radiation, under hot and dry summer conditions, was investigated in near-isohydric Cannonau (syn. Grenache) and nearanisohydric Bovale grande (syn. Carignan). From pea-size stage until harvest, vines with mild to moderate water deficit were subjected to UV-blocking treatment (-UV) and compared to a control exposed to sunlight (C). Canopy light and thermal microclimate, growth and density, maximum leaf gas exchange, primary photochemistry (PSII) and phenols were monitored. Average increments in canopy temperature under -UV tunnels during day-time and night-time were 3.3°C and 0.8°C in Bovale grande and 2.6°C and 1.1°C in Cannonau. Cultivars reached similar leaf area, intrinsic water-use efficiency and stem water potential under C and -UV. Cannonau showed lower stomatal conductance, maximum net assimilation and transpiration rates, but also faster recovery of PSII under heat and moderate water stress. UV radiation induced a stronger and longer impact on leaf assimilation, but the duration of elevated temperatures under −UV induced higher photoinhibition and lower photochemical efficiency. A similar degree of correlation between leaf temperature and gas exchange was found among cultivars and treatments. In Cannonau, leaf anthocyanin decreased due to heat-induced long-lasting PSII photoinactivation under C. Conversely, Bovale grande showed higher phenolic content stability, thus higher photoprotection and recovery of PSII functional units. Agronomical practices affecting leaf phenolic accumulation influence canopy acclimation to heat and high sunlight. Vineyard management must avoid excessive canopy sun exposure and duration of elevated temperatures to favour high assimilation, while reducing photoinactivation and heat damage.
ObjectivesPatients with clinical, genetic and histological features of coeliac disease (CD), but negative for serological markers, pose a significant clinical problem. The aim of this study was to outline a specific profile, and to evaluate the natural history and response to gluten-free diet (GFD) of patients with seronegative CD.Methodspatients with duodenal mucosa damage Marsh I, II and III stages, HLA DQ2/DQ8 haplotype and clinical features suggestive of CD, but negative for CD serology, were defined as seronegative CD patients. Other common causes of duodenal mucosa damage were excluded. HLA–DR and DQ genotype/haplotype between all Marsh stages of patients with seronegative and seropositive CD were compared. Clinical features, laboratory testing and histological findings were evaluated after a GFD and a gluten rechallenge. A long follow-up period was available.Results48 patients fulfilled diagnostic criteria over a 4-year period. Clinical phenotype and HLA−DR and DQ frequencies between patients with seronegative and seropositive CD was similar. However, Marsh I stage was more prevalent in seronegative patients (42% vs 22%; p<0.05). After a 1-year GFD trial, clinical symptoms, histological features and laboratory testing improved in 40 patients and worsened in those who underwent a 6-months gluten challenge. Five patients with seronegative CD (25%) experienced the occurrence of autoimmune diseases during a median follow-up of 133 months (range 72–192).ConclusionsPatients with seronegative CD did not display a specific profile. They benefitted from GFD as patients with seropositive CD. Waiting for more sensitive serological markers, the diagnosis of seronegative CD remains a diagnosis of exclusion.
Abstract. In 2014, the Sardinian Regional Department of Hygiene, Health and Social Security promoted the Regional Prevention Plan, which embraced the protection of the population from exposure to indoor pollutants, including radon gas. The programme foresaw: the drafting of “Guidance for the construction/renovation of buildings”; radon monitoring and mapping activities during a dedicated campaign based on geological surveying; a radon health impact assessment; community involvement and a radon risks communication campaign. The objectives of the programme were focused to protect Sardinian population from radon risk, with special reference to vulnerable and susceptible subjects, spread knowledge about risks and the opportunities to reduce them. Using a Health Impact Assessment procedure, the number of attributable deaths was estimated based on radon exposure levels, also visible as preventable events by implementing preventive actions. The purpose of this article is to illustrate the activities carried out, with specific reference to the use of communication to develop each action, to understand strengths and weaknesses and the lessons to be applied in Sardinia and other areas. Monitoring and evaluation results indicate that the health of populations living in radon-exposed areas can be significantly improved by reducing exposure to radon and synergistic risk factors. It is essential to strengthen awareness-raising events using historical and acquired knowledge, and to monitor progress in order to reinforce further actions, as these schemes should be planned for the long term, with central coordination and continuous evaluation. The case of radon risk management and communication in Sardinia offers a number of suggestions and lessons learned, both for the continuation of the work that is expected to be very intense in the coming years, and for the problems that may arise in other regions and countries affected by radon risk.
<p>INTRODUCTION</p><p>Following the recommendations of the National Prevention Plan, the Sardinia Region Department of Hygiene, Health and Social Security has promoted a programme dedicated to protecting the population from exposure to radon gas. The plan included: radon monitoring activities during a dedicated campaign based on geological mapping; radon Health Impact Assessment, HIA; drafting of &#8220;Guidelines for the construction/renovation of buildings&#8221;; community involvement and a radon risks communication campaign.</p><p>OBJECTIVES</p><p>To present the development of the HIA based on radon environment monitoring data and the communication process.</p><p>METHODS</p><p>Radon risk mapping combined the knowledge of geological composition of Sardinia Island and the results obtained by monitoring with dedicated devices.</p><p>HIA was implemented calculating cases attributable (CA) to radon exposure, combining the following parameters: Relative Risk (available by literature); mortality rate of lung cancer prevalence/incidence rate (baseline); exposed population size; radon concentration target.</p><p>The radon monitoring campaign required a widespread communication activity, while the results communication activity, based on a dedicated plan, involved multiple stakeholders.</p><p>RESULTS</p><p>On the basis of radon concentration data estimated by ARPAS, the HIA procedure estimated lung cancer deaths attributable to radon in areas of different exposure and throughout Sardinia. In the whole region, with an average concentration of 116 Bq/m3, radon-attributable cases were estimated at 143 out of 832 total expected deaths (attributable fraction 17.2%); in the area most at risk, including 49 municipalities, with an estimated average concentration of 202 Bq/m3, radon-attributable deaths were 13 out of 55 total (attributable fraction 23.6%).</p><p>The parameters of the algorithm and the results were presented and discussed with the local working groups.</p><p>A specific radon monitoring activity developed in schools helped to focus the efforts on the protection of school goers as vulnerable and susceptible groups. Urgent renovation and improvement activities in school and in other public administration buildings throughout the region were carried out.</p><p>Six guided discussions and four training sessions during six months were held to develop HIA and communication activities. A meeting to present the work was held in Nuoro town in October 2019, where information material was distributed and public attention raised around the issue.</p><p>The communication process aggregated several stakeholders including: civil servants in the field of health and the environment; public administrators; health professionals committed to spread knowledge about radon-free building.</p><p>CONCLUSIONS</p><p>The objectives of the regional program were focused to: - protect Sardinian population from radon risk, with special reference to vulnerable and susceptible subjects, particularly radon exposed smokers; - spread knowledge about risks; - inform about the opportunities to reduce risks.</p><p>Results indicate that the health of populations living in radon-exposed areas can be significantly improved by reducing exposure to radon and synergistic risk factors. It is essential to strengthen awareness-raising activities using historical and acquired knowledge and to monitor progress in order to reinforce further action, as these activities should be planned for the long term.</p>
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