Transparency and sustainability in global commodity supply chains.

Over the last few decades rapid advances in processes to collect, monitor, disclose, and disseminate information have contributed towards the development of entirely new modes of sustainability governance for global commodity supply chains. However, there has been very little critical appraisal of the contribution made by different transparency initiatives to sustainability and the ways in which they can (and cannot) influence new governance arrangements. Here we seek to strengthen the theoretical underpinning of research and action on supply chain transparency by addressing four questions: (1) What is meant by supply chain transparency? (2) What is the relevance of supply chain transparency to supply chain sustainability governance? (3) What is the current status of supply chain transparency, and what are the strengths and weaknesses of existing initiatives? and (4) What propositions can be advanced for how transparency can have a positive transformative effect on the governance interventions that seek to strengthen sustainability outcomes? We use examples from agricultural supply chains and the zero-deforestation agenda as a focus of our analysis but draw insights that are relevant to the transparency and sustainability of supply chains in general. We propose a typology to distinguish among types of supply chain information that are needed to support improvements in sustainability governance, and illustrate a number of major shortfalls and systematic biases in existing information systems. We also propose a set of ten propositions that, taken together, serve to expose some of the potential pitfalls and undesirable outcomes that may result from (inevitably) limited or poorly designed transparency systems, whilst offering guidance on some of the ways in which greater transparency can make a more effective, lasting and positive contribution to sustainability.

Synthesis, chemical characterization and cancer cell growth-inhibitory activities of Cu(ii) and Ru(iii) aliphatic and aromatic dithiocarbamato complexes.

In this paper, we focused on the analysis of the effects mediated by different cyclic dithiocarbamic ligands (DTC) on three classes of antiproliferative coordination compounds, namely, Ru(iii) complexes with the general formulae [Ru(DTC)3] and [Ru2(DTC)5]Cl, and the neutral Cu(ii) derivatives of the type [Cu(DTC)2]. In particular, we present the synthesis and characterization of a library of total 23 coordination compounds containing Ru(iii) or Cu(ii) as the biologically-active metal center and two or more dithiocarbamato (DTC) ligands derived from cyclic amines (aliphatic or aromatic). Several techniques including elemental analysis, X-ray crystallography, ESI-MS, 1H-NMR spectroscopy, FT-IR and UV-Vis spectrophotometry were used to characterize the compounds, which highlighted the different electronic behaviors generated by the substituents within the DTC moiety. Moreover, the synthesized compounds were tested for their stability in order to investigate their antiproliferative activity against 3 human cancer cell lines, namely, HeLa, HepG2 and HepG2/SB3. In particular, HepG2/SB3 was chosen for its aggressiveness due to upregulation of the anti-apoptotic protein SerpinB3. Finally, the most promising compounds are studied in terms of log P. Overall, the results reveal the drug-likeness of some of the derivatives of copper(ii) and ruthenium(iii).

Tetanus vaccination, antibody persistence and decennial booster: a serosurvey of university students and at-risk workers.

The aim of the present research is to verify the immune status against tetanus in students and workers exposed to risk and to ascertain whether a decennial booster is necessary. Antibodies against tetanus were measured in 1433 workers and students of Padua University (Italy). The enrolment criterion was the ability to provide a booklet of vaccinations released by a public health office. The influence of age, gender, the number of vaccine doses, and the interval since the last dose was determined. Ten years after the last dose, the majority of subjects (95·0%) displayed an antibody titre above the protective level (⩾0·10 IU/ml), and half of these (49·1%) had a long-term protective level (⩾1·0 IU/ml). According to our data, titre depends on both the number of vaccine doses and the interval since the last dose (P < 0·0001). Five vaccine doses and an interval of at least 10 years since the last dose are predictive of a long-term protective titre in absence of a booster (1·97 IU/ml). These data suggest that when primary series are completed, a decennial booster is unnecessary for up to 20 years. Furthermore, we recommend measuring the antibody level before a new booster is given to prevent problems related to over-immunisation.

Method of capture and population structure of Aegla georginae Santos and Jara, 2013 (Decapoda: Anomura: Aeglidae) in a tributary of the Ibicuí River in southern Brazil / Método de captura e estrutura populacional de Aegla georginae Santos and Jara, 2013 (Decapoda: Anomura: Aeglidae) em um afluente do rio Ibicuí no sul do Brasil

Abstract In the current study, we investigated population aspects of Aegla georginae in the Ibicuí River Basin by considering different capture methods and the implication of these data in the analysis of population dynamics. We sampled 1774 individuals: 1259 males (21 and 97 juveniles and 1029 and 113 adults in trap and handnet, respectively), 512 females (05 and 140 juveniles, 184 and 64 adults, and 81 and 38 ovigerous in trap and handnet, respectively) and 03 unsexed individuals (02 and 01 in trap and handnet, respectively). The frequency distribution in size classes shows a bimodal model for both sexes. The carapace length (CL) in males and females varied from 3.11 to 26.00 and 3.73 to 22.36 mm, respectively. Males presented significantly larger sizes than females. The relative abundance between males and females was significantly different from 1:1 with more males than females in most sampling periods (p < 0.05) when considering the grouped data (handnet + trap) and trap captures, but followed the expected ratio in most months when considering individuals sampled only with handnet (p > 0.05). Juveniles were recorded in all seasons, and reproduction occurs throughout the year. The population structure is similar to the model known for aeglids, and the capture methods affected the analysis of A. georginae, where the grouped data and trap captures presented greater abundance of individuals than handnet and males predominate in the larger size classes, and females in the intermediary size classes. Therefore, an integrated view of the capture methods is the best model for studying the population dynamics of aeglids.

Resumo No presente estudo, nós investigamos aspectos populacionais de Aegla georginae na Bacia do rio Ibicuí e consideramos a implicação de diferentes métodos de captura na análise dos dados de dinâmica populacional. Foram amostrados 1774 indivíduos: 1259 machos (21 e 97 juvenis e 1028 e 113 adultos em armadilhas e rede de mão, respectivamente), e 512 fêmeas (05 e 140 juvenis, 184 e 64 adultos, e 81 e 38 ovígeras em armadilhas e rede de mão, respectivamente) e 03 não-sexados (2 e 1 em armadilhas e rede de mão, respectivamente). A distribuição de frequência nas classes de tamanho mostrou um modelo bimodal para ambos os sexos. O comprimento da carapaça (CC) em machos e fêmeas variou de 3,11 a 26,00 e 3,73 a 22,36 mm, respectivamente. Machos apresentaram-se significativamente maiores que as fêmeas. A abundância relativa entre machos e fêmeas foi diferente significativamente de 1:1 com mais machos do que fêmeas na maioria dos períodos amostrados (p < 0,05) quando considerados os dados agrupados (rede de mão + armadilhas) e somente armadilhas, mas seguiu a razão esperada na maioria dos meses quando considerados apenas os indivíduos capturados com rede de mão (p > 0,05). Juvenis foram registrados em todas as estações do ano e a reprodução ocorreu durante todo o ano. A estrutura populacional é similar ao modelo conhecido para eglídeos e os métodos de captura afetam a análise para A. georginae, onde os dados agrupados e as capturas por armadilha apresentaram maior abundância de indivíduos do que rede de mão e machos predominando nas classes de tamanho mais altas e fêmeas nas classes de tamanho intermediárias. Portanto, uma visão integrativa dos métodos de captura é o melhor modelo para estudar a dinâmica populacional de eglídeos.

Ru(III) anticancer agents with aromatic and non-aromatic dithiocarbamates as ligands: Loading into nanocarriers and preliminary biological studies.

Since the discovery of cisplatin in the 1960s, other metal complexes have been investigated as potential antitumor agents to overcome the side-effects associated with the administration of the Pt-based drug. In line with our previous research, in this work we report the synthesis and characterization of mono- and dinuclear Ru(III) complexes with the pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDT) ligand and the more sterically-hindered carbazole-dithiocarbamato ligand (CDT), to compare their properties (both at the chemical and antiproliferative level), in an attempt to assess a structure-activity rationale. Moreover, to overcome the scarce solubility under physiological conditions of the Ru(III)-dithiocarbamato compounds, the biocompatible copolymer Pluronic® F127 has been used, to encapsulate the metal derivatives in water-soluble micellar carriers. Finally, preliminary biological evaluations on CDT and PDT compounds along with their nanoformulations, open intriguing perspectives in anticancer chemotherapy. In particular, comparing the structure of the Ru(III) derivatives, the ionic dinuclear PDT complex shows an important cytotoxic action in comparison to its neutral counterparts. Moreover, the micellar carrier improves the overall activity of the encapsulated Ru(III)-PDT chemotherapeutics. On the other hand, the nanoformulation of the CDT derivatives allows us to solubilize both the 1:3 and the 2:5 complexes and to state their inactivity.

Method of capture and population structure of Aegla georginae Santos and Jara, 2013 (Decapoda: Anomura: Aeglidae) in a tributary of the Ibicuí River in southern Brazil.

In the current study, we investigated population aspects of Aegla georginae in the Ibicuí River Basin by considering different capture methods and the implication of these data in the analysis of population dynamics. We sampled 1774 individuals: 1259 males (21 and 97 juveniles and 1029 and 113 adults in trap and handnet, respectively), 512 females (05 and 140 juveniles, 184 and 64 adults, and 81 and 38 ovigerous in trap and handnet, respectively) and 03 unsexed individuals (02 and 01 in trap and handnet, respectively). The frequency distribution in size classes shows a bimodal model for both sexes. The carapace length (CL) in males and females varied from 3.11 to 26.00 and 3.73 to 22.36 mm, respectively. Males presented significantly larger sizes than females. The relative abundance between males and females was significantly different from 1:1 with more males than females in most sampling periods (p < 0.05) when considering the grouped data (handnet + trap) and trap captures, but followed the expected ratio in most months when considering individuals sampled only with handnet (p > 0.05). Juveniles were recorded in all seasons, and reproduction occurs throughout the year. The population structure is similar to the model known for aeglids, and the capture methods affected the analysis of A. georginae, where the grouped data and trap captures presented greater abundance of individuals than handnet and males predominate in the larger size classes, and females in the intermediary size classes. Therefore, an integrated view of the capture methods is the best model for studying the population dynamics of aeglids.

Modeling the Praia dos Ingleses submarine outfall, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil.

An outfall 1,800 m long was initially proposed by CASAN (Water and Sanitation Company of Santa Catarina) to dispose of treated domestic residual water effluent from Praia dos Ingleses beach. The final plan average flow, estimated for the summer season is 0.1543 m³/s. The characteristics on the near field of the diffuser were calculated using the NRFIELD model supplied by a series of current profiles and density, gathered at the diffuser location between March and April, 2007. Reliable information of raw sewage fecal coliform concentration and nutrients has been supplied by CASAN, based on continuous monitoring of sewage in its treatment plants. The diffuser was designed in such a way that it maximizes the initial dilution allowing the nutrients concentration to comply with legislation limits. However, results showed that the treatment plant should be designed to mainly reduce total phosphorus. A hydrodynamic model was implemented to generate current fields for the far field modeling. Information gathered in the field on variation in water level, wind, and current velocity and direction was used for boundary and/or initial conditions. Then, a Lagrangian advective-diffusive model was used to evaluate the extent of the plumes. The results of far field modeling showed a need to increase the outfall length. A new location 3,300 m from the beach has been proposed.

Chemotherapeutic induction of mitochondrial oxidative stress activates GSK-3α/ß and Bax, leading to permeability transition pore opening and tumor cell death.

Survival of tumor cells is favored by mitochondrial changes that make death induction more difficult in a variety of stress conditions, such as exposure to chemotherapeutics. These changes are not fully characterized in tumor mitochondria, and include unbalance of the redox equilibrium, inhibition of permeability transition pore (PTP) opening through kinase signaling pathways and modulation of members of the Bcl-2 protein family. Here we show that a novel chemotherapeutic, the Gold(III)-dithiocarbamato complex AUL12, induces oxidative stress and tumor cell death both favoring PTP opening and activating the pro-apoptotic protein Bax of the Bcl-2 family. AUL12 inhibits the respiratory complex I and causes a rapid burst of mitochondrial superoxide levels, leading to activation of the mitochondrial fraction of GSK-3α/ß and to the ensuing phosphorylation of the mitochondrial chaperone cyclophilin D, which in turn facilitates PTP opening. In addition, following AUL12 treatment, Bax interacts with active GSK-3α/ß and translocates onto mitochondria, where it contributes to PTP induction and tumor cell death. These findings provide evidence that targeting the redox equilibrium maintained by mitochondria in tumor cells allows to hit crucial mechanisms that shield neoplasms from the toxicity of many anti-tumor strategies, and identify AUL12 as a promising chemotherapeutic compound.

Biological monitoring of exposure to perchloroethylene in dry cleaning workers.

BACKGROUND: Perchloroethylene (PCE) is the most widely used solvent in dry cleaning. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to evaluate PCE pollution and to identify the most reliable biological indicators for the assessment of workers' exposure. METHODS: The study was performed in 40 dry cleaning shops covering a total of 71 subjects. Environmental monitoring was carried out with personal diffusive samplers (Radiello) for the entire work shift; biological monitoring was performed by measuring PCE in urine and blood and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in urine on Thursday evening at end-of shift and on Friday morning pre-shift. RESULTS: The mean concentration of PCE in air was 52.32 mg/m3, about 30% of the TLV-TWA and the mean value of the PCE inpre-shift blood samples was 0.304 mg/l, slightly more than 50% of the BEI. In dry cleaning shops employing less than 3 persons PCE in air exceeded the TLV-TWA in 7.8% of cases; the size of the shops was inversely related to pollution. Statistically significant correlations were found between PCE exposure and PCE in blood end-of-shift (r = 0.67) and pre-shift (r = 0.70), and PCE in urine end-of-shift (r = 0.68); no correlation was found between exposure and PCE in urine pre-shift and urinary TCA. CONCLUSIONS: Dry cleaning shops still register conditions of exposure and pollution by PCE, although to a lesser extent than in the past. The most reliable indicators for biological monitoring are CE in end-of-shift urine and PCE in blood both at end-of-shift and pre-shift at the end of the workweek.

[Release of metals from metal-on-metal hip prostheses]. / Rilascio di metalli da protesi d'anca metallo-su-metallo.

The present study examined blood and urinary concentrations of Cr and Co in 30 patients with metal-on-metal hip prostheses without signs of wear and 6 patients with prosthetic bearing and clear signs of wear and metallosis. The determination in biological fluids showed in patients with not signs of wear the geometric mean concentration of metals only modestly increased (CoS 0.5 microg/l, CoU 5.7 microg/l, CrS 0.8 microg/l, CrU 3.4 microg/l) compared to the reference values, while the wear caused a significant increase in the concentration of both Co (CoS 94.6 microg/l, CoU 334.5 microg/l) and Cr (CrS 57.7 microg/l, CrU 89.4 microg/I). As the results, the not functioning implants are a risks to the patients and are associated with high levels of metals in biological fluids. Currently, the patients with metallosis had not signs and symptoms associated with metal toxicity, but high concentrations could to cause kidney, peripheral nervous system, heart, and thyroid damage.

Preliminary chemico-biological studies on Ru(III) compounds with S-methyl pyrrolidine/dimethyl dithiocarbamate.

[RuCl(3).nH(2)O] and Na(trans-[RuCl(4)(DMSO)(2)]) were reacted with 1-pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDT), its S-methyl ester (PDTM), and N,N-dimethylcarbamodithioic acid methyl ester (DMDTM) in water or methanol in order to obtain the corresponding Ru(III) derivatives. Once isolated and purified, the complexes were characterized by means of elemental analysis, conductivity measurements, FT-IR and (1)H NMR spectroscopy, ion electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and thermal analyses. The crystal structure of mer-[Ru(DMDTM)(DMSO)Cl(3)] has been also determined by X-ray crystallography. In vitro cytotoxic activity of all the synthesized complexes was eventually evaluated on some selected human tumor cell lines.

[Epidemiology of reproductive tract infections in a symptomatic population of North-East of Italy]. / Prevalenza di agenti d'infezioni del tratto riproduttivo in una popolazione sintomatica del Nord-Est.

AIM: Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) are one of the main causes of morbidity in the world and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can give rise to severe sequels (inflammatory pelvic disease, etc.). The epidemiology of these infections is changeable and depends on geographical and economical factors, migratory flows and social and sexual habits. This variability, along with the lack of sufficient data in literature, is a serious problem in the development of screening, prevention and therapy strategies centered on local needs. The aim of our study was to evaluate the epidemiology of reproductive tract infections in a symptomatic population of the Nord-East of Italy. METHODS: In the period January-June 2006, we investigated 207 subjects at the Microbiology and Virology Service of Padua's Hospital, 18-65 years old, males and women, Italian and foreigners. All had symptoms or personal history pointing to a possible reproductive tract infection. For female we collected vaginal and cervical swabs, and for male urethral swabs, for microscopy, the culture for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma spp., other bacteria and yeasts, and for molecular assay for Chlamydia trachomatis. RESULTS: Among our population, the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis were respectively 6.28%, 1.93% and 3.86%. STIs were more frequent in males, among foreigners, and in patients aged 18-30 years. CONCLUSION: From the results obtained, ideas have emerged in order to arrange a qualitative and quantitative optimization of the diagnosis of RTIs, implementing diagnostic paths based on the different typologies of patients and on the local epidemiology.

[Prevalence of hepatitis virus A, B, and C markers according to the geographic origin of medical students]. / Prevalenza dei marcatori dell'epatite (A, B e C) in relazione alla provenienza geografica degli studenti dei corsi di laurea in medicina.

Antibodies against viral hepatitis A, B and C were evaluated in 221 students of graduate courses of the Medical School of Padua University born in countries different from Italy. Data were compared with those measured in 362 students born in Veneto Region and 87 students born in Centre-Southern Italy. The results showed a high, significant prevalence of positive antibodies against hepatitis A in students from Africa (94.7%), Asia (60.9%), Centre-Southern America (60.9%) and East Europe (52.7%); in Italy, the prevalence was significant in student from Centre-Southern Italy (19.5%). A high prevalence of hepatitis B antibodies was observed in 33.3% of Africa students (two subjects HBsAg positive), in 22.6% of students from East Europe (five subjects HBsAg positive) and in 12.5% of Asian and Centre-Southern American students (one HBeAg positive). Finally, infection with hepatitis C is sporadic and without a significant geographic distribution (three subjects only).

[Prevalence of virus hepatitis B markers among medical students]. / Prevalenza dei marcatori dell'epatite B negli studenti dei corsi di laurea in medicina.

Healthcare workers are a category of subjects at risk of infections higher than general population, though the introduction of vaccination against hepatitis B generally reduced this risk. In the present research, 2137 students of graduate course for health professions were subdivide in two age classes: 25 years old or younger and older than 25 years old according to the vaccination strategy defined by the law 165/91. A high number of students (82.3%) appeared immune against hepatitis B virus, whereas 16.7% were negative. About 30% of negative subjects declared vaccination. Females and subjects 25 years old or younger showed a significantly higher prevalence of anti-HBsAg antibodies (p < 0.001) than males and older subjects respectively. The obtained results show the need to evaluate the immunity status of the healthcare workers in training with the aim to reduce the number of susceptible subjects.

[Biologic risk due to accident in academic personnel]. / Il rischio biologico da incidente nel personale sanitario universitario.

Needlestick injuries since 2004 to 2006 were evaluated in University healthcare workers that reported an accident by point, sharp or mucosal contamination. During this period, 497 accidents with instruments contamined with biological fluids were reported. The injuries were most frequent between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. (233 accidents). There is no difference during the week (excluding Saturday and Sunday), whereas February, May, June, and July were the months at risk. The most of accidents were during the first four hours of the job. They were identified 423 known sources and compliance with follow-up was evaluated. Only 26.3% of subjects injured with known hepatitis B source, 32.3% with known HIV source, and 40% with known HCV source completed follow-up. Fortunately, no seroconversion was observed. The lack of compliance with the follow-up, also if the source is known, needs to stimulate healthcare workers to subject to the protocols and to follow the standard procedure to prevent the needlestick injuries.

Rheological characterization of polysaccharide-surfactant matrices for cosmetic O/W emulsions.

Rheometrical techniques can be profitably used for polysaccharide matrices in order to evaluate their suitability for the preparation of stable cosmetic O/W emulsions. In particular, the rheological properties of aqueous scleroglucan systems were investigated under continuous and oscillatory shear conditions in a polymer concentration range (0.2-1.2% w/w) embracing the sol/gel transition. The effects due to the addition of two different surfactants (up to 10% w/w) were examined at constant polymer concentration (0.4% w/w). The selected additives are a nonionic polymeric siliconic surfactant (dimethicone copolyol) and a cationic surfactant (tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide), respectively. Polysaccharide-surfactant interactions leading to complex formation were detected also through rheology. The combined action of both nonionic and cationic surfactants in the polymer solution was examined at two different surfactant concentration levels (5 and 10% w/w), demonstrating the beneficial effects produced on the mechanical properties of the polymer matrix by the coexistence of both surfactants. Such beneficial effects are confirmed by the stability and rheology shown by the emulsions prepared. In this way, the results point out the good agreement between the rheology of the continuous phase and the final characteristics of the emulsion obtained.

[Educational and training issues in occupational first aid: the requisites for the teachers of the workers responsible for first aid]. / I requisiti per i formatori dei lavoratori designati al primo soccorso aziendale.

BACKGROUND: The inter-ministerial decree (D.I.) 388/03 (the Italian law on first aid in the workplace) attaches particular importance to the organization of first aid and to the content of the teaching and training of designated workers, specifying teaching objectives, programme and duration of courses. However it provides less details on the requirements and qualifications of the teachers and trainers. OBJECTIVES: To discuss this topic in the light of the guidelines contained in the literature and the existing legislation. METHODS: We used the specific references of literature and legislation concerning first aid training of designated workers. RESULTS: The objectives and the content of the training courses call for a high level of professional competence and approach. Therefore, training of designated workers should be planned and carried out in accordance with the training standards used for the teaching and training of the so-called "lay rescuers". CONCLUSIONS: The need to achieve high training standards for workers responsible for first aid at the workplace is to a large extent justified by the difficulty of the role of employees. This need follows the current tendency in regulations to guarantee adequate and up-dated training also for other agents operating within the system of workplace prevention. In this context the occupational physician plays a significant role in the training programmes for designated workers.

Pt(II) and Pd(II) derivatives of ter-butylsarcosinedithiocarbamate. Synthesis, chemical and biological characterization and in vitro nephrotoxicity.

This work reports on the synthesis, characterization and biological activity of new coordination compounds of the type [M(TSDTM)X(2)] (M=Pt(II), Pd(II); X=Cl, Br; TSDTM=ter-butylsarcosine(S-methyl)dithiocarbamate) and [Pd(TSDT)X](n) (TSDT=ter-butylsarcosinedithiocarbamate) in order to study their behavior as potential antitumor agents. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by means of elemental analysis, FT-IR, (1)H and (13)C-NMR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis, suggesting a chelate S,S' structure of the TSDTM/TSDT ligand in a square-planar geometry. Finally, the synthesized complexes have been tested for in vitro cytotoxic activity against human leukemic HL60 and adenocarcinoma HeLa cells; the most active compound [Pt(TSDTM)Br(2)], characterized by IC(50) values very similar to those of the reference compound (cisplatin), was also tested for in vitro nephrotoxicity showing a very low renal cytotoxicity as compared to cisplatin itself.