Province Of Trieste Research Articles

Lung damage in SARS-CoV-2 patients: An autopsy study in the era of vaccination.

The contribution of SARS-CoV-2 infection on lung damage and the effect of vaccination on either containing the number of deaths or mitigating lung damage has not been systematically investigated. Post-mortem analysis was performed among consecutive in-patients with COVID-19 deceased in the Province of Trieste (2020-2022). The outcomes of the study were (i) rates of in-hospital mortality, (ii) contribution of COVID-19 to death, (iii) histological extent of lung injury and (iv) impact of vaccination. A total of 1038 consecutive hospitalized patients who died with SARS-CoV-2 infection were autopsied and deep histological analysis of the lungs was performed in a randomly selected sample of 508 cases. Among them, SARS-CoV-2 infection was (a) the cause of death (n = 90), (b) contributing to death (n = 304) and (c) an accompanying feature (n = 114). The incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection as the primary cause of mortality decreased over time (23.8% in 2020, 20.9% in 2021 and 7.9% in 2022). On multivariable analysis, vaccination (any dose) was independently associated with lower rates of death related to SARS-CoV-2 infection (HR .15, p < .001), after adjusting for other independent predictors. A total of 172 patients were vaccinated at least with two doses at the time of death: 93% triple-vaccinated, 7% double-vaccinated. On histological analysis, vaccinated patients had a greater frequency of pneumonia severity score 0 and 1 (20.3% vs. 5.4% and 20.9% vs. 7.7%, p < .001, respectively), and a substantially lower proportion of pneumonia severity score 3 (26.2% vs. 55.1%, p < .001) compared to unvaccinated patients. COVID-19 vaccination has substantially reduced rates of death related to SARS-CoV-2 infection over time and may have the ability to mitigate lung damage.

Molecular survey of Cytauxzoon spp. and Hepatozoon spp. in felids using a novel real-time PCR approach.

Tick-transmitted apicomplexans of the genera Cytauxzoon and Hepatozoon affect a wide range of felids worldwide, but little is known about them. Recently, several studies addressed the species circulating in Europe, their distribution, and their hosts. Molecular assays are the method of choice for their detection. Unfortunately, conventional PCRs already described are time- and cost-consuming and specific for either Hepatozoon or Cytauxzoon detection. This study was developed to evaluate (i) the occurrence of Cytauxzoon and Hepatozoon in felids using a fast and cost-saving real-time PCR capable of detecting both protozoa simultaneously, (ii) the distribution of Cytauxzoon and Hepatozoon species in north-eastern Italy, and (iii) the involvement of other susceptible felid hosts in the same area. An SYBR® Green-based real-time PCR with primers targeting the 18S-rRNA was validated and applied to 237 felid samples, i.e., whole blood from 206 domestic cats and 12 captive exotic felids, and tissues from 19 wildcats. Positive results were obtained by melting temperature curve analysis due to the specific melting peak (i.e., 81°C Cytauxzoon spp.; 78-78.5°C Hepatozoon spp.). Positive samples were subjected to conventional PCR, followed by sequencing for species identification. Phylogenetic analyses were performed to assess relatedness among European isolates. Data on domestic cats (age class, sex, origin, management, and lifestyle) were recorded, and statistical analyses were performed to identify potential risk factors. A total of 31 (15%) domestic cats were positive for Hepatozoon spp. (i.e., 12 for H. felis, 19 for H. silvestris), while six (2.9%) for C. europaeus. The prevalence of Hepatozoon felis was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in domestic cats, while H. silvestris was higher in strays and animals from the Eastern region (i.e., Friuli-Venezia Giulia). Cytauxzoon europaeus was detected only in stray cats from Friuli-Venezia Giulia (province of Trieste). Among captive felids, one tiger was infected with H. felis and another with H. silvestris; eight out of 19 (42%) wildcats were positive for Hepatozoon spp. (i.e., six with H. felis, two with H. silvestris) and four out of 19 (21%) for Cytauxzoon europaeus. Outdoor lifestyle and origin (i.e., Friuli-Venezia Giulia region) were the most relevant risk factors for H. silvestris and C. europeus infections. Conversely, H. felis was most frequently isolated from domestic cats, suggesting different modes of transmission.

Identification of 5F-Cumyl-PINACA, a Synthetic Cannabinoid, in the Herbal Material Used for Recreational Purposes in the Province of Trieste: Public Health Implications.

In recent years, the phenomenon of the production and trade of synthetic cannabinoids has grown, becoming a public health issue worldwide. The recent access- to the ED of the hospital of Trieste- of people who complained of episodes of hallucinations, sensation of poisoning, tachycardia, and air hunger following the inhalation of "Che Sballo platinum", have highlighted the need to perform further analysis on the contents of the packet sold as an air freshener, produced in Koper (Slovenia). This paper wants to be an alert about the possible consequences on health due to the spreading of "Che Sballo platinum" in the province of Trieste. The package contents were analyzed by a multi-target screening method of MRM-IDAEPI experiment. The result was then confirmed, and quantification was achieved via LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis in MRM mode using QTrap 6500 + Sinergy hydro column 100 x 2 mm 1.9 um transitions MRM1 368.3 → 250.0; MRM2 368.3 → 233.0. The initial screening tested negative for THC and showed positive results for 5F-Cumyl- PINACA. Quantitation result reported dose by the package of 8.5 mg of the compound. Formal notification was sent to the Italian Health Authorities (Notification No. 2021110205). Consumption of 5F-Cumyl-PINACA results in much more potent effects than marijuana. Lack of information about the actual concentration of the substance on the packaging does not allow drug users to have an adequate dosage, with possible toxic consequences on health. Further investigations must be done to discover the true extent of the phenomenon.

Slovene as a Minority and Foreign Language in Italian Mainstream Schools in the Province of Trieste

Abstract This paper describes the history, presence, actions and perspective of Slovene language teaching and learning in Italian primary mainstream schools in the province of Trieste as an extraordinary opportunity – after 30 years of Slovenia’s independence and almost 25 years of open borders – to reflect on the role of Slovene as a minority and foreign language among the majority population of neighbouring Italy, on the interethnic relationships it fosters, and on its potential to become an element of identity awareness development within the process of identity formation for both the kin state Slovenia homeland and the Slovene community in Trieste.

Assessment of COVID-19 pandemic impact on guaranteeing food security in local school catering

Abstract Background The Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) highlights that in 2020 10% of the Italian population could not afford an adequate meal every 2 days. Families with several children were more affected, for these children school meals represented the only access to a healthy diet. The European Commission Farm to Fork Strategy, concerning the COVID-19 pandemic (CP), underlines the need to act to ensure access to a sufficient supply of affordable food for all. In the Province of Trieste (PT) over 90% of pupils eat in school canteens (12,000 meals per day). The aims of the project were to verify the impact of CP on the food security of public school canteens (PSC) and determine any Nutritional Critical Points (NCPs) - Corrective Actions (CAs) to guarantee healthy equity meals for all pupils. Methods The content of Public food procurement and service polices for a healthy diet (PFP) published by the WHO and the Nutrient Analysis Critical Control Points (NACCP) process as indicated by the Ministry of Health were applied. In the first quarter of 2021, all food procurement contracts (n = 6) and all of the school kitchens (n = 45) of PT PSC were verified, the University of Trieste analysed the composition of fresh desserts administered in 7 consecutive weeks. Results The NACCP process showed NCPs on the low quality of afternoon snacks and on the quantitative/qualitative fat profile of fresh desserts, with a content of 69 to 72% of saturated fat, of 5 to 7% of trans fat and of 8 to 12% oxidized fat as a “dual quality” food. CAs were activated to support all PT PSC in reformulating fresh desserts, as well as in aiding the assessment of the food procurement landscape, activating regular monitoring of compliance and designing procurements adherent to PFP. Conclusions Project outcomes highlight the importance of taking action to continuously support PSC in order to ensure healthy and equitable food environments for all and to contribute to building a resilient food system. Key messages Guarantee healthy equity school meals for all pupils by developing on going processes to address the pandemic challenge. Ensure technical assistance to school catering to overcome the impact of COVID–19.

Cytauxzoon sp. and Hepatozoon spp. in Domestic Cats: A Preliminary Study in North-Eastern Italy.

Knowledge on the presence of Cytauxzoon sp. and Hepatozoon spp. in Italy is scant and mostly limited to a few areas of Northern and Southern regions, respectively. The present study updated the current epidemiological scenario by investigating the occurrence of these protozoa in domestic cats from three broad regions of North-Eastern Italy. Blood samples from cats at risk of vector-borne diseases were processed by PCR to detect Cytauxzoon and Hepatozoon DNA. Blood smears were observed for haemoparasite inclusions. The influence of cat individual data (e.g., provenance, management, indoor/outdoor lifestyle) on the prevalence of haemoprotozoan infections was statistically evaluated. Among 158 cats, Cytauxzoon and Hepatozoon DNA were detected in 6 (3.8%) and 26 (16.5%) animals, respectively. No Hepatozoon gamonts were detected in blood smears, whereas all Cytauxzoon PCR-positive samples were microscopically positive, though with low levels of parasitaemia. Two species of Hepatozoon were identified, Hepatozoon felis (n = 10) and Hepatozoon silvestris (n = 16). Hepatozoon silvestris prevalence values were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the region Friuli Venezia Giulia and in stray cats. Cytauxzoon sp. was detected in 6/39 (15.4%) stray cats from Friuli Venezia Giulia (Trieste province). These data add new information on the occurrence of these neglected protozoa in domestic cats’ populations.

Fifty years of the Friuli Venezia Giulia regional technical map: a best practice in the Italian cartographic context

Fifty years have already passed away from the production start-up of the regional technical map of the Italian Friuli Venezia Giulia region. On this occasion, the part of the new regional topographic database (DBT), relating to the Trieste province, is now available. This is a new digital product that represents a significant technological evolution of the well-known “Carta Tecnica Regionale Numerica.” In conjunction with this important event, before the time would definitely delete the memory of the origins, this paper gives a synthetic excursus of the various phases of design, realization and use of the Friuli Venezia Giulia regional technical map (CTR) and of its subsequent digital version (CTRN). The beginning of that development period was marked by a catastrophic event: the 1976 earthquake, and also by the following reconstruction phase that transformed the region. In correspondence, the new digital cartography had been an essential tool for developing and managing the territory. Furthermore, the main characteristics of the now partially available Topographic Database (DBT) will be described. At last, this paper is aimed to remind the various professional figures that have contributed to realize these important cartographic tools.

Echocardiographic evaluation of centenarians in Trieste.

Population aging has increased together with the need for cardiovascular care. Understanding the relevance of cardiovascular conditions in the very old is crucial to developing a specific and rationale therapeutic approach. Centenarians can be considered a model of successful aging, although the impact of cardiovascular disease in this population is still unclear. To evaluate the cardiovascular health status of a subset of centenarians enrolled in the Centenari a Trieste study and living in the province of Trieste to describe the prevalence of cardiovascular conditions among them. The current study included 20 individuals born before 1919 and living in the province of Trieste as of 1 May 2019. All centenarians were able to give consent and were subjected to an in-home complete clinical assessment focused on cardiovascular conditions, ECG and echocardiography. The majority of centenarians were women (85%) and were not taking any chronic cardiovascular medication (55%). No centenarians had a history of ischemic heart disease while about one-third had signs suggestive of heart failure at examination (20%). Atrial fibrillation was present in 20% of individuals and conduction disorders were uncommon. Although the majority of individuals had a preserved left ventricular function, diastolic function was abnormal in 80% of enrolled centenarians that, however, was mild in 73% of cases. This is the second study to perform in-home echocardiography in centenarians and the first to characterize the cardiovascular status of centenarians living in Trieste. The majority of centenarians had asymptomatic diastolic dysfunction and were naïve from cardiovascular therapy. The recruitment of new individuals from the Trieste area is continuing to perform analyses on clinical, genetic and environmental factors that may predict greater longevity in this geographical context and unveil mechanisms that regulate cardiac aging associated with increased lifespan.

Mapping invasive plants with citizen science. A case study from Trieste (NE Italy)

A citizen science initiative was launched in the province of Trieste, aimed at mapping the distribution of Ailanthus altissima, Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Senecio inaequidens. The reliability of citizen data was tested against control data obtained by trained personnel with a stratified random sampling. In spite of the lack of a strict sampling strategy, citizen data were highly correlated with control data. This was mainly due to: 1) the easy identification of the species and 2) the instructions given to citizens for selecting their observation areas and for avoiding duplicate records. The three species tend to be most frequent in disturbed areas; Ailanthus is highly concentrated in the urban area, Senecio is widely distributed but avoids the city centre, with the highest frequency in the industrial area and along the railways, Ambrosia has a similar pattern, but is most frequent in areas with calcareous substrata. The interpretation of the distribution patterns in terms of land use and ecological factors proved to be quite easy when the three species are considered together (higher frequency in disturbed areas), less so when they are considered separately, most probably because of historical and sociological factors, such as incomplete migration into the survey area, and “gentrification effects”.

Checking vegetation changes with remote sensing: The case of the Trieste province (North-East of Italy)

The main objective of this study is to monitor the main vegetation changes in the Trieste province (North-East of Italy) between 2000 and 2017. We applied remote sensing methods to nine different images acquired during the observed period. To each satellite scene, we applied a vegetation index (EVI - Enhanced Vegetation Index) suitable to the physical characteristics of the studied landscape and to the sensors that acquired the images. The EVI values of each scene have been classified using class intervals and connected to four different land cover classes. Later, change detection analysis was also applied to the thematic map time series. The final result was numerical evidence of the changes in each class (sq. km) during the observed period and a thematic map showing the territorial distribution of the main changes between the first and the last image (2000 and 2017).We observed a widespread, almost scattered increase in the highest class of vegetation (wood) in the considered period.

Cohort profile: ‘Centenari a Trieste’ (CaT), a study of the health status of centenarians in a small defined area of Italy

PurposeCentenarians, a segment of the population which some 50 years ago comprised only a few individuals, now count thousands in many countries, and demographic projections forecast that this growth will...

Metformin and aspirin treatment could lead to an improved survival rate for Type 2 diabetic patients with stage II and III colorectal adenocarcinoma relative to non-diabetic patients.

Metformin, the drug of choice in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), in addition to aspirin (ASA), the drug prescribed for cardioprotection of diabetic and non-diabetic patients, have an inhibitory effect on cancer cell survival. The present population-based study conducted in the province of Trieste (Italy), aimed to investigate the prevalence of DM2 in patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC) and survival for CRC in diabetic and nondiabetic patients. All permanent residents diagnosed with a CRC between 2004 and 2007 were ascertained through the regional health information system. CRC-specific and relative survival probabilities were computed for each group of patients defined by CRC stage, presence or absence of DM2 treated with metformin, and presence or absence of daily ASA therapy. A total of 515 CRC patients without DM2 and 156 with DM2 treated with metformin were enrolled in the study. At the time of CRC diagnosis, 71 (14%) nondiabetic and 39 (25%) diabetic patients were taking ASA daily. The five-year relative survival for stage III CRC was 101% [95% confidence interval (CI)=76-126] in the 18 patients with DM2 treated with metformin and ASA, 55% (95% CI=31-78) in the 23 without DM2 treated with ASA, 55% (95% CI=45-65) in the 150 without DM2 not taking ASA, and 29% (95% CI=13-45) in the 43 with DM2 treated with metformin, however not with ASA. The findings support the hypothesis of a possible inhibitory effect of metformin and ASA on CRC cells. Randomized controlled trials are required to verify this hypothesis.

Tools to Upgrade Facilities for All: How to Improve Business Dealing with Tourism.

Providing quality services to any traveller requires constant efforts to ensure that tourist destinations, products, and services are accessible to all people, regardless of their health condition, physical limitations, gender, origin, age. This entails a collaborative process among all the interested parties: administrators, tourist agencies, tour operators, and end users, who expressing their points of view can objectively contribute to reach shared and effective solutions. A single visit destination can involve many factors, including access to information: the project A Region for All, promoted by Promoturismo FVG in collaboration with CRAD FVG and the University of Trieste, focused on this issue. Promoturismo FVG is a semi-public destination management organization. Its mission is to develop the regional tourism system collaborating with all the active subjects to improve the promotion and to optimize the resources by concentrating the efforts. The organization pursues its objectives by planning and organizing the offer through specific tourism products. In 2016 a mapping process has been started to investigate the usability of the relevant services to tourists / visitors with special needs along the itinerary of eight tourist centers of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. To date, more than 200 facilities (bars, restaurants, pharmacies, cash machines…) have been detected. The paper will present the development of the work conducted by TrIAL - Trieste Inclusion &amp; Accessibility Lab at Department of Engineering and Architecture within the University of Trieste for the management of the mapping process. On the strength of the mapping experience developed during the previous project LabAc (Laboratory of Accessibility) for the Province of Trieste and the project Trieste for All for the Municipality of Trieste (from 2013 to 2016), the research group has adopted and set a series of digital tools, has identified specific indicators and has focused on an efficient return of data to Promoturismo FVG. The overall project is still ongoing: collected data have not yet been published by the organization. Overall monitoring and evaluation activities are still lacking and will be part of a future phase of research.

Burgon's Expectation: Ancient and New Cartographic Visualization for Numismatic Data and Coin Finds

Using Callegher's catalogue of ancient coin finds in the Trieste Province of NE Italy from the Ritrovamenti monetali di età romana nel Friuli Venezia Giulia, a spatial database of the findings (third century bce to sixth century ce) was created. The authors later developed a client side Web mapping application. All Free and Open Source Software tools were used to build both a spatial database (postgreSQL and PostGIS) and a Web mapping application (QGIS and Leaflet). The Web mapping application allows the user to find the territorial distribution of Celtic, Roman (Republican and Imperial), Byzantine, and Longobard coins. Each coin was georeferenced and linked to the denomination of the ancient coin, the authority that issued it, the coin mint, and the finding site. This project highlights not only the efficiency of the database methodology in managing numismatic data, but also the great potential of the geographic visualization process to reveal hidden relationships between the finding sites and the data connected with the ancient use of coins (e.g., ancient monetary areas, economic and commercial buffer zones, trade routes)

A wing metacarpal from Italy and its implications for latest Cretaceous pterosaur diversity

Abstract An incomplete bone from the latest Cretaceous dinosaur site of Villaggio del Pescatore (Trieste Province, Italy) is definitely a wing metacarpal of a pterodactyloid pterosaur. It represents the only Italian Cretaceous pterosaur remains known, as well as the only pterosaur from the Adriatic Carbonate Platform. With an estimated minimum length of 136 mm, it belongs to a relatively small individual relative to the standard of latest Cretaceous pterodactyloids. It is not as elongated and gracile as azhdarchid wing metacarpals and shows a mix of features found in Pteranodon and some more basal pterodactyloids. It is one of the very few remains of putative non-azhdarchid pterosaurs from the upper Campanian–Maastrichtian worldwide and supports the view that the Azhdarchidae were not the only pterosaur clade existing during latest Cretaceous times.

Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: data from the Observatory of Cardiovascular Diseases in the province of Trieste (Italy)

Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is the most common arrhythmia in outpatients and is associated with increased mortality, thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events. Although several international studies have evaluated its prognostic impact in the real world, Italian data are still lacking. Our aim was to define the prevalence, comorbidity, treatment and outcome in a population of "real-life" outpatients with NVAF. From 2009 to 2013, 21 282 consecutive patients referred to the Cardiovascular Center of Trieste were enrolled in the study. NVAF was defined in the absence of moderate-to-severe valvular disease, valvular interventions, rheumatic heart disease. Events evaluated in the follow-up included mortality, hospitalizations, thromboembolism and hemorrhage. Clinical data and events were derived from the cardiac regional electronic patient records and the ICD-9 hospital discharge records. 3379 patients (15.8%) had NVAF (35.6% paroxysmal, 34.5% persistent, 29.9% permanent); compared to the general population these patients were older, predominantly male, with hypertension, diabetes and history of stroke/transient ischemic attack and heart failure. Oral anticoagulant therapy was prescribed in 54% of cases, above all in persistent or permanent forms, in patients with higher CHA2DS2-VASc score and younger age. The rate of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular hospitalization, thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events during follow-up was higher in patients with NVAF than in the general population. The use of oral anticoagulant therapy reduced the incidence of thromboembolic events. CHA2DS2-VASc score emerged as an independent predictor of thromboembolic events in patients with paroxysmal (35% higher risk), persistent (40% higher risk) and permanent atrial fibrillation (34% higher risk than patients without atrial fibrillation). In "real-life" outpatients NVAF is associated with older age, more comorbidities and increased cardiovascular events. CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores predict accurately the risk for thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events. Oral anticoagulation reduces thromboembolic events, but its use is limited to just half of the patients.

Person-centered integrated approach in an advanced heart failure clinic

E-mail: ks@menteebenessere.it Goal: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) constitutes epidemiological, clinical and social emergency and requires an effective and efficient person and people-centered integrated interventions to empower patients, increase adherence and improve clinical-psycho-social outcome. This interdisciplinary, integrated approach requires holistically attending to the person's needs both through the supportive and the palliative stages of heart failure. Material and Methods: In 2013, an Advanced Heart Failure Clinic (AHFC) was activated within the Outpatient Cardiovascular Department in Trieste. AHFC is made up of an interdisciplinary team (2 cardiologists, an internist, a psychologist, and 4 dedicated nurses) who collaborate with GPs and healthcare professionals from the four District teams which make up the Province of Trieste. The goal is to provide person-centered, integrated supportive and palliative care to patients with an advanced heart failure (NYHA III-IV) after the discharge from hospital/residential facility, or to those requiring longitudinal monitoring (both as outpatients or at their homes). A Person-Centered Psycho-Social Wellbeing Questionnaire (PCPSWQ) was developed to investigate personal, social and healthcare well-being as well as the knowledge of the disease and the level of adherence. HEART FAILURE Proπireni saaeetak / Extended abstract

Le preferenze dei consumatori della provincia di Trieste per l'olio extra vergine di oliva d'alta gamma

Food quality is made up of a set of both intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics, including how these characteristics are guaranteed and communicated to end consumers. As a result, purchase choices are affected not only by elements such as taste and price, but also by the level of food safety, production process characteristics, nutritional aspects, origin and organic certification. In this paper we present the results of an analysis of consumer preferences for Tergeste dop extra virgin olive oil produced in the province of Trieste. The conjoint analysis method was used to assess the importance attached by consumers to the different attributes of the extra virgin oil olive. A cluster analysis was carried out on the utility scores estimated in the conjoint analysis to classify consumers into homogeneous groups (or segments) for whom different attributes were more important. A proposal for consumer segmentation and the definition of ideal product is therefore, presented in the study. The paper concludes with some reflections and suggestions for the valorization of Tergeste dop in which it is shown that the characteristics of demand are such as to make the policy of high prices, related to the quality policy of the product, practicable. Finally, through analysis of identified consumer segments, the possibility for producers to implement new strategies to improve sales development are reported.

Airborne LiDAR application to karstic areas: the example of Trieste province (north-eastern Italy) from prehistoric sites to Roman forts

The Trieste Karst, at the northernmost shore of the Adriatic Sea, is rich in prehistoric caves and protohistoric hill forts. Most of these archaeological sites were already identified in the second half of the 19th century when large parts of the area were almost without vegetation coverage for the effect of sheep breeding and exploitation of wood resources. Only a few open-air archaeological sites have been discovered in recent years due to the lack of systematic archaeological surveys and reforestation.Airborne LiDAR (light detection and ranging) data, originally acquired for environmental monitoring over the Friuli Venezia Giulia region (north-eastern Italy), have been recently analysed by means of free open source softwares for archaeological prospection of the Trieste Karst area. The LiDAR derived images have allowed identifying numerous unknown fortified structures ranging from prehistory to Roman time within a complex archaeological landscape that includes possible funerary barrows, agricultural terraces and other structures. The discovery of a probable Roman republican fort is particularly significant since similar structures, almost unknown in Italy, find comparison only with later examples of military forts from Roman provinces.The discovery of prehistoric, protohistoric and Roman fortified sites reported in this paper shows that airborne LiDAR remote sensing represents a revolution in landscape archaeology and archaeological mapping of karstic areas. This technique can provide unexpected results even in relatively urbanized territories investigated for a long time.

Dimensional characterization of selected elements in airborne PM10 samples using μ‐SRXRF

Micro synchrotron radiation X‐ray fluorescence (μ‐SRXRF) is a powerful spectroscopy technique that uses synchrotron radiation to induce X‐ray fluorescence in samples and provides exhaustive information on the micron and submicron scale. Among the major advantages of μ‐SRXRF spectroscopy are its nondestructive nature and that samples can usually be analyzed without pretreatment. At the ESRF (Grenoble, France) ID‐21 beamline, we examined PM10 samples collected at two sites in the Province of Trieste, Italy, in order to determine possible correlations among some low‐ to mid‐Z elements (S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, and Fe), as well as investigated the possibility of using synchrotron radiation imaging techniques as a way to examine the granulometry of PM10 particles containing the various chemical elements. A consistent significant correlation between Ca and S has been found, which, coupled with the data obtained in a related study, indicates that a major part of the sulfate is present as CaSO4. Granulometry measurement via imaging techniques has shown that some elements such as Fe, Ca, and S are more amenable to this type of analysis than others. Additionally, the spatial homogeneity of a PM2.5 certified reference material (NIST SRM‐2783) has been investigated by analyzing four adjacent areas on the certified sample (total area 1 mm2). The certified reference material has shown a percentage relative standard deviation less than 7% for Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, V, Cr, and Fe, and close to 17% for Ti and Mn. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.