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Selvaraj T, Gallello G, Mehra A, Rungta K, Jaganathan B, Ramacciotti M, Pastor A, Raneri S. Rare earth elements sediment analysis tracing anthropogenic activities in the stratigraphic sequence of Alagankulam (India). Heliyon 2024; 10:e29767. [PMID: 38698991 PMCID: PMC11064065 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
A methodological approach based on rare earth elements analysis was developed to observe human activities in the stratigraphic sequence of Alagankulam. The site was one of the main ancient ports in south-eastern India and one of the transoceanic connecting points between East and West during the Classical Period. The sampled sediments where collected from vertical profiles, areas with traces of firing activities and filled deposits. Major, minor and trace element concentrations were measured by the means of spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques. Data from multielemental analysis were then cross-referenced together with archaeological evidence to map the variability within the site and its association with the detected anthropic activities. The matching of the interpretation of the archaeological record and the analytical data has allowed a combined mapping of visible and invisible traces of human activities in the site, giving a deeper insight of the Alagankulam occupational history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thirumalini Selvaraj
- CO2 Research and Green Technologies Centre, VIT University, Vellore, TN, 632014, India
| | - Gianni Gallello
- Department of Prehistory, Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Valencia, Spain Avenida de Blasco Ibañez 28, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ashna Mehra
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Italy
| | - Kunal Rungta
- Department of Mining Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, India
| | | | - Mirco Ramacciotti
- Department of Prehistory, Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Valencia, Spain Avenida de Blasco Ibañez 28, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Agustín Pastor
- Analytical Chemistry Department, University of Valencia, Edifici Jeroni Muñoz, Dr. Moliner 50, 46100, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Simona Raneri
- Institute of Chemistry and OrganoMetallic Compounds, National Research Council, ICCOM-CNR, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
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Alapont L, Gallello G, Martinón-Torres M, Osanna M, Amoretti V, Chenery S, Ramacciotti M, Jiménez JL, Morales Rubio Á, Cervera ML, Pastor A. The casts of Pompeii: Post-depositional methodological insights. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289378. [PMID: 37610984 PMCID: PMC10446210 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The casts of Pompeii bear witness to the people who died during the Vesuvius 79 AD eruption. However, studies on the cause of death of these victims have not been conclusive. A previous important step is the understanding of the post-depositional processes and the impact of the plaster in bones, two issues that have not been previously evaluated. Here we report on the anthropological and the first chemical data obtained from the study of six casts from Porta Nola area and one from Terme Suburbane. A non-invasive chemical analysis by portable X-ray fluorescence was employed for the first time on these casts of Pompeii to determine the elemental composition of the bones and the plaster. Elemental profiles were determined providing important data that cross-referenced with anthropological and stratigraphic results, are clearly helpful in the reconstruction of the perimortem and post-mortem events concerning the history of these individuals. The comparative analyses carried out on the bone casts and other collections from burned bones of the necropolis of Porta Nola in Pompeii and Rome Sepolcreto Ostiense, and buried bones from Valencia (Spain), reveal the extent of high temperature alteration and post-depositional plaster contamination. These factors make bioarchaeological analyses difficult but still allow us to support asphyxia as the likely cause of death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Llorenç Alapont
- Department of Prehistory, Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Gianni Gallello
- Department of Prehistory, Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marcos Martinón-Torres
- McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Massimo Osanna
- Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Simon Chenery
- British Geological Survey, Environmental Science Centre, Keyworth, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Mirco Ramacciotti
- Department of Prehistory, Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Analytical Chemistry Department, Edifici Jeroni Muñoz, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Spain
| | - José Luis Jiménez
- Department of Prehistory, Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ángel Morales Rubio
- Analytical Chemistry Department, Edifici Jeroni Muñoz, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Spain
| | - M. Luisa Cervera
- Analytical Chemistry Department, Edifici Jeroni Muñoz, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Agustín Pastor
- Analytical Chemistry Department, Edifici Jeroni Muñoz, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Spain
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Chehbani F, Gallello G, Brahim T, Ouanes S, Douki W, Gaddour N, Cervera Sanz ML. The status of chemical elements in the blood plasma of children with autism spectrum disorder in Tunisia: a case-control study. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2020; 27:35738-35749. [PMID: 32601867 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09819-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders defined by a deficit in social interactions and the presence of restricted and stereotypical behaviors or interests. The etiologies of autism remain mostly unknown. Many genetic and environmental factors have been suspected. Among these environmental factors, exposure to several chemical elements has been previously studied. The purpose of this study was to compare the levels of trace elements in the blood plasma of children with ASD with typically developed children (TDC). The participants in this study consisted of 89 children with ASD (14 girls and 74 boys) and 70 TD children (29 girls and 41 boys). The levels of 33 chemical elements have been analyzed by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP-MS). We detected significant differences in the levels of eight elements between the two groups, among which there were three rare earth elements (REEs): Eu, Pr, and Sc (p = 0.000, p = 0.023, and p < 0.001 respectively); four heavy metals: Bi, Tl, Ti, and V (p = 0.004, p < 0.001, p = 0.001, and p = 0.001 respectively); and one essential element: Cu (p = 0.043). Children with ASD had higher levels of Er, Pr, Sc, Bi, Tl, Ti, and V, and lower levels of Cu in comparison with the TD group. The children exposed to passive smoking had lower levels of lead (Pb) compared with children without exposure (p = 0.018). Four elements (Cr, Er, Dy, and Pr) were negatively correlated to the severity of ASD. The level of Cu was significantly associated with autistic children's behavior (p = 0.014). These results suggest that children with ASD might have abnormal plasma levels of certain chemical elements (including Er, Pr, Sc, Bi, Tl, Ti, and V, and Cu), and some of these elements might be associated with certain clinical features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fethia Chehbani
- Department of Psychiatry, Research Laboratory "Vulnerability to Psychotic Disorders LR 05 ES 10", Monastir University Hospital, Monastir, Tunisia.
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia.
| | - Gianni Gallello
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Prehistory, Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Takoua Brahim
- Unite of Child psychiatry, Monastir University Hospital, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Sami Ouanes
- Department of Psychiatry, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Wahiba Douki
- Department of Psychiatry, Research Laboratory "Vulnerability to Psychotic Disorders LR 05 ES 10", Monastir University Hospital, Monastir, Tunisia
- Biochemistry-Toxicology Laboratory, University Hospital of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Naoufel Gaddour
- Unite of Child psychiatry, Monastir University Hospital, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
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Gallello G, Ferro-Vázquez C, Chenery S, Lang C, Thornton-Barnett S, Kabora T, Hodson ME, Stump D. The capability of rare earth elements geochemistry to interpret complex archaeological stratigraphy. Microchem J 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2019.05.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Rubio-Barberá S, Fragoso J, Gallello G, Arasa F, Lezzerini M, Hernández E, Pastor A, de la Guardia M. Analysis of Sagunto Ibero-Roman votive bronze statuettes by portable X-ray fluorescence. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2019.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Gallello G, Ramacciotti M, Lezzerini M, Hernandez E, Calvo M, Morales A, Pastor A, de la Guardia M. Indirect chronology method employing rare earth elements to identify Sagunto Castle mortar construction periods. Microchem J 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2017.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Small T, Ochoa-Zapater MA, Gallello G, Ribera A, Romero FM, Torreblanca A, Garcerá MD. Gold-nanoparticles ingestion disrupts reproduction and development in the German cockroach. Sci Total Environ 2016; 565:882-888. [PMID: 26905368 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The present work shows the effects of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) orally administered on reproduction and development of the insect Blattella germanica. Newly emerged females were provided with food containing AuNPs (87.44μg/g) of a size between 15 and 30nm (mean 21.8nm), and were allowed to mate with males. Food ingestion, mortality, reproductive parameters (time to ootheca formation and eclosion, ootheca viability and fertility) as well as postembryonic developmental parameters of the first ootheca (nymphal survival and life span) were recorded throughout the experiment. Gold from AuNPs was accumulated by adults of B. germanica with a bioaccumulation factor of 0.1. Ingestion of AuNPs did not disturb the time for ootheca formation nor ootheca eclosion. However, ootheca viability was decreased almost by 25% in AuNPs treated females in comparison to controls. At the same time the number of hatched nymphs was decreased by 32.8% (p<0.001) in AuNP group respect to control one. The postembryonic developmental parameters were also affected by AuNPs treatment, with a 35.8% of decrease (p<0.01) in number of nymphs that moulted to second and third instars and a reduction of their life span. Ingestion of AuNPs causes sublethal effects in B. germanica that compromises life-traits involved in population dynamics. B. germanica is proposed as a model species in nanotoxicological studies for urban environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taika Small
- Departmento de Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, University of Valencia, Dr. Moliner 50, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
| | - M Amparo Ochoa-Zapater
- Departmento de Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, University of Valencia, Dr. Moliner 50, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Gianni Gallello
- Departmento de Química Analítica, University of Valencia, Dr. Moliner 50, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Antonio Ribera
- Instituto de Ciencia Molecular (ICMol), University of Valencia, Catedrático José Beltrán 2, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Francisco M Romero
- Instituto de Ciencia Molecular (ICMol), University of Valencia, Catedrático José Beltrán 2, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Amparo Torreblanca
- Departmento de Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, University of Valencia, Dr. Moliner 50, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
| | - M Dolores Garcerá
- Departmento de Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, University of Valencia, Dr. Moliner 50, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
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Gallello G, Ghorbani S, Ghorbani S, Pastor A, de la Guardia M. Non-destructive analytical methods to study the conservation state of Apadana Hall of Persepolis. Sci Total Environ 2016; 544:291-298. [PMID: 26657375 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.11.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric and biological agents are the main enemies of the building material conservation. In this work an innovative methodological approach, based on Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR) and X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF), has been employed to evaluate the conservation state of Persepolis limestone samples collected both, under a protective shelter and outside the shelter, at Apadana Audience Hall area in Persepolis. The use of NIR spectra permitted to discriminate, by using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), the differences between samples collected inside and outside the protective shelter and we have been able to identify a major degradation state of the out shelter stone samples due to a major presence of organic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianni Gallello
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Valencia, 50 Dr. Moliner Street, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Shervin Ghorbani
- Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Politecnico di Milano, 3 Bonardi Street, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Sharona Ghorbani
- Department of Architecture, Islamic Azad University of Parand, Bahonar Blvd, 3761396361 Parand, Tehran, Iran
| | - Agustin Pastor
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Valencia, 50 Dr. Moliner Street, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Miguel de la Guardia
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Valencia, 50 Dr. Moliner Street, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
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Gallello G, Orozco T, Pastor A, de la Guardia M, Bernabeu J. Regional provenance of dolerite prehistoric objects through mineral analysis. Microchem J 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2015.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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