Evaluating the suitability of granular anammox biomass for nitrogen removal from vegetable tannery wastewater.

In the present study, the potential inhibitory effect of biologically pre-treated vegetable tannery wastewater (TW) on anammox granular biomass was evaluated. Beside high organic and chemicals load, vegetable TW are characterised by high salinity and high tannins concentration, the latter belonging to a group of bio-refractory organic compounds, potentially inhibitory for several bacterial species. Recalcitrant tannin-related organic matters and salinity were selected as the two potential inhibitory factors and studied either for their separate and combined effect. Parallel batch tests were performed, with biomass acclimated and non-acclimated to salinity, testing three different conditions: non-saline control test with non-acclimated biomass (CT); saline control test with acclimated biomass (SCT); vegetable tannery wastewater test with acclimated biomass (TWT). Compared with non-saline CT, the specific anammox activity in tests SCT and TWT showed a reduction of 28 and 14%, respectively, suggesting that salinity, at conductivity values of 10 mS/cm (at 25 °C), was the main impacting parameter. As a general conclusion, the study reveals that there is no technical limitation for the application of the anammox process to vegetable TW, but preliminary biomass acclimation as well as regular biomass activity monitoring is recommended in case of long-term applications. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work assessing the impact of vegetable TW on anammox biomass.

Respirometric techniques coupled with laboratory-scale tests for kinetic and stoichiometric characterisation of fungal and bacterial tannin-degrading biofilms.

In environmental biotechnology applications for wastewater treatment, bacterial-based bioprocesses are mostly implemented; on the contrary, the application of fungal-based bioprocesses, is still challenging under non-sterile conditions. In a previous laboratory-scale study, we showed that when specific tannins are used as the sole carbon source, fungi can play a key role in the microbial community, under non-sterile conditions and in the long term. In a previous study, an engineered ecosystem, based on fungal tannin biodegradation, was successfully tested in a laboratory-scale bioreactor under non-sterile conditions. In the present study, a kinetic and stoichiometric characterisation of the biomass developed therein was performed through the application of respirometric techniques applied to the biomass collected from the above-mentioned reactor. To this aim, a respirometric set-up was specifically adapted to obtain valuable information from tannin-degrading fungal biofilms. A mathematical model was also developed and applied to describe both the respirometric profiles and the experimental data collected from the laboratory-scale tests performed in the bioreactor. The microbial growth was described through a Monod-type kinetic equation as a first approach. Substrate inhibition, decay rate and tannin hydrolysis process were included to better describe the behaviour of immobilised biomass selected in the tannin-degrading bioreactor. The model was implemented in AQUASIM using the specific tool Biofilm Compartment to simulate the attached fungal biofilm. Biofilm features and transport parameters were either measured or assumed from the literature. Key kinetic and stoichiometric unknown parameters were successfully estimated, overcoming critical steps for scaling-up a novel fungal-based technology for tannins biodegradation.

Efficacy and tolerability of a spray formulation containing Visnadine in women self-reporting sexual symptoms: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this pilot, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, was to evaluate both the efficacy and the tolerability of a formulation for vulvar application containing Visnadine, a natural extractive substance with vasoactive properties, (ReFeel® spray, IDI Integratori Dietetici Italiani S.r.l., Italy) in women self-reporting sexual symptoms. METHODS: Sixty women (age range 18-60 years) volunteered to test the product against placebo (PL): Two puffs in the vulvar area, 10 min before sexual stimulation, for 30 days and for a minimum of six times. The main outcome measure was the improvement of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score (cut-off ≤ 26.55 for female sexual dysfunction [FSD]). Secondary outcomes were sexual satisfaction and tolerability with the product. RESULTS: PL group (n = 28) and Visnadine group (n = 30) were comparable for age, sexual function and rate of FSD at baseline (T0). After 1 month (T1), women in Visnadine group scored from 25.0 ± 3.8 to 27.9 ± 2.4 (p < 0.001), whereas no changes were evident in PL group (from 25.4 ± 5.0 to 25.6 ± 4.7). Statistically significant differences at T1 were reported in women with a positive (p < 0.001) or a negative FSD diagnosis (p < 0.01) using active treatment. Women with FSD reported significantly more improvement in satisfaction with their sexual function when treated with Visnadine spray compared to PL (p < 0.001), as well as more excitation (p < 0.001), pleasure (p < 0.001) and less time to reach orgasm (p < 0.003). No significant side effects were evident in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: On demand, 1-month use of Visnadine spray displayed positive effects on sexual function in women with and without FSD and it was well tolerated. Topical Visnadine may not only be part of multimodal strategies to manage clinically relevant sexual symptoms but also simply to help women to enhance their subjective impaired perception of sexual response.

Impaired bone remodeling in children with osteogenesis imperfecta treated and untreated with bisphosphonates: the role of DKK1, RANKL, and TNF-α.

UNLABELLED: In this study, we investigated the bone cell activity in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) treated and untreated with neridronate. We demonstrated the key role of Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in regulating bone cell of untreated and treated OI subjects. These cytokines could represent new pharmacological targets for OI. INTRODUCTION: Bisphosphonates are widely used in the treatment of children with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) with the objective of reducing the risk of fractures. Although bisphosphonates increase bone mineral density in OI subjects, the effects on fracture incidence are conflicting. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying bone cell activity in subjects with mild untreated forms of OI and in a group of subjects with severe OI treated with cycles of intravenous neridronate. METHODS: Sclerostin, DKK1, TNF-α, RANKL, osteoprotegerin (OPG), and bone turnover markers were quantified in serum of 18 OI patients (12 females, mean age 8.86 ± 3.90), 8 of which were receiving cyclic intravenous neridronate, and 21 sex- and age-matched controls. The effects on osteoblastogenesis and OPG expression of media conditioned by the serum of OI patients and anti-DKK1 neutralizing antibody were evaluated. Osteoclastogenesis was assessed in cultures from patients and controls. RESULTS: DKK1 and RANKL levels were significantly increased both in untreated and in treated OI subjects with respect to controls. The serum from patients with high DKK1 levels inhibited both osteoblast differentiation and OPG expression in vitro. High RANKL and low OPG messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were found in lymphomonocytes from patients. High amounts of TNF-α were expressed by monocytes, and an elevated percentage of circulating CD11b-CD51/CD61+ osteoclast precursors was observed in patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated the key role of DKK1, RANKL, and TNF-α in regulating bone cell activity of subjects with OI untreated and treated with bisphosphonates. These cytokines could represent new pharmacological targets for OI patients.

Anti-plaque and antimicrobial efficiency of different oral rinses in a 3-day plaque accumulation model.

The idea of incorporating a mouthrinse with normal tooth brushing could be a useful adjunct to oral hygiene. Despite the principle nature of the toothpaste vehicle, most alcohol-based chemical plaque-control agents have been evaluated and later formulated in the mouthrinse vehicle. The current study was aimed to investigate the persistence of antimicrobial action and plaque inhibitory properties of a new alcohol-free mouthrinse when compared with positive control, chlorhexidine 0.12% and placebo control, physiologic saline solution mouthrinses. The evaluation of the antimicrobial activity was performed by saliva samples collected during the 3 days of usage. The results of this study indicate that this new oral rinse has an equivalent plaque inhibitory action to chlorhexidine, and the plaque inhibitory action of the rinse appears to be derived from a persistence of antimicrobial action in the mouth. Furthermore, no side effects were reported during the study, and the additional benefit of no alcohol presence in the rinse solution.

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal (stem) cells differentiate to osteoblast and chondroblast lineages upon incubation with conditioned media from dental pulp stem cell-derived osteoblasts and auricle cartilage chondrocytes.

The potential of adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal (stem) cells (ADSCs) to differentiate into either osteoblasts or chondrocytes is controversial. In this study we investigated the multicapacity potential of ADSCs to differentiate towards adipocyte, osteoblast, and chondrocyte lineages when cells are seeded onto plastic in comparison with incubation with conditioned media (CM) obtained from differentiated cell types.ADSCs, obtained from liposuctions, were characterized for mesenchymal and hematopoietic markers by cytofluorimetry. Their differentiation capacity towards adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes was investigated by histochemistry methods (Oil-Red-O staining, Safranin O and Alizarin Red staining, respectively). Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and dedifferentiated auricle derived-chondrocytes were differentiated towards osteoblastic and chondrocytic lineages respectively, and the CM obtained from these cultures was used to induce differentiation of ADSCs. ADSCs were positive for mesenchymal markers (CD29, CD105, CD73, CD44), but not for hematopoietic lineage markers (CD14, CD34, CD45) and this behavior was conserved from the isolation up to the fifth passage. While ADSCs were readily differentiated in adipocytes, they were not towards chondrocytes and osteoblastic lineages, a behavior different from that of bone marrow-derived MSCs that differentiated into the three lineages at two weeks post-induction. Only ADSCs treated with CM from cultured chondrocytes and DPSCs, produced glycosaminoglycans and mineralized matrix. These results indicate that ADSCs need growth/morphogenic factor supplementation from the tissue environment to be appropriately differentiated to mesodermic lineages.

Nitrite and nitrate as electron acceptors for biological sulphide oxidation.

Autotrophic denitrification with sulphide using nitrate (R1) and nitrite (R2) as electron acceptor was investigated at bench scale. Different solids retention times (SRT) (5 and 20 d) have been tested in R1 while R2 was operated at SRT=13 d. The results indicated that the process allows complete sulphide removal to be achieved in all tested conditions. Tested sulphide loads were estimated from the H2S produced in a pilot-scale anaerobic digester treating vegetable tannery primary sludge; nitrogen loads originated from the nitrification of the supernatant. Average nitrogen removal efficiencies higher than 80% were observed in all the tested conditions once steady state was reached. A maximum specific nitrate removal rate equal to 0.35 g N-NO3- g VSS(-1) d(-1) was reached in R1. Due to sulphide limitation, incomplete denitrification was observed and nitrite and thiosulphate tend to accumulate especially in the presence of variable environmental conditions in both R1 and R2. Lower SRT caused higher NO2accumulated/NO3reduced ratios (0.22 and 0.24, with SRT of 5 d and 20 d, respectively) using nitrate as electron acceptor in steady-state condition. Temperature decrease caused sudden NO2accumulated/NO3reduced ratio increase in R1 and NO2- removal decrease in R2.

Comorbidity and in-hospital mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients: data of the Emilia Romagna region of Italy.

OBJECTIVE: Kidney failure increases in-hospital mortality (IHM); however, comorbidity is crucial for predicting mortality in dialysis patients. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of comorbidity, assessed by modified Elixhauser index (mEI), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and age-adjusted CCI, on IHM in a cohort of peritoneal dialysis patients admitted to hospitals of the Emilia Romagna region (ERR) of Italy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All hospital admissions of peritoneal dialysis patients recorded between 2007 and 2021 in the ERR database were analyzed. The International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) was used for detecting diagnoses and procedures, and the inclusion criterion was code 5498. Comorbidity burden was evaluated by three different scores, and hemodialysis (HD) treatment need was considered. IHM was our outcome. RESULTS: During the 15 years of the study, 3,242 hospitalized peritoneal dialysis patients (62.7% males) were evaluated. Mean age was 62.8±20.6 years, 9.6% underwent HD, and IHM was 5.9% (n=192). IHM mortality was stable throughout the study period. Deceased subjects were older, were hospitalized longer, had a higher comorbidity burden, and had a higher percentage of HD treatment needs than survivors. Age, male sex, comorbidity burden, and HD treatment were predictors of IHM. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis confirmed the impact of comorbidity burden on IHM, especially when age was considered. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that in male, elderly hospitalized peritoneal dialysis patients with failing dialysis technique, comorbidity burden should be considered being a predictor of IHM.

Solid-phase microextraction of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene using a molecularly imprinted-based fiber.

A molecularly imprinted polymer with trinitrotoluene as the template molecule was synthesized and used as the novel coating for solid-phase microextraction of the nitroaromatic explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene for its selective determination. The fiber was characterized in terms of coating thickness, morphology, intra- and inter-batch repeatability and extraction efficiency. An average thickness of 50 ± 4 µm with a uniform distribution of the coating was obtained. Good performances of the developed procedure in term of both intra-batch and inter-batch repeatability with relative standard deviations <8% were obtained. Finally, detection and quantitation limits in the low nanogram per kilogram levels were achieved proving the superior extraction capability of the developed coating, obtaining gas chromatography-mass spectrometry responses about two times higher than those achieved using commercial devices.

The plant-associated Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strains MEP2 18 and ARP2 3 capable of producing the cyclic lipopeptides iturin or surfactin and fengycin are effective in biocontrol of sclerotinia stem rot disease.

AIMS: This work was conducted to identify the antifungal compounds produced by two previously isolated Bacillus sp. strains: ARP(2) 3 and MEP(2) 18. Both strains were subjected to further analysis to determine their taxonomic position and to identify the compounds responsible for their antifungal activity as well as to evaluate the efficiency of these strains to control sclerotinia stem rot in soybean. METHODS AND RESULTS: The antifungal compounds were isolated by acid precipitation of cell-free supernatants, purified by RP-HPLC and then tested for antagonistic activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Mass spectra from RP-HPLC eluted fractions showed the presence of surfactin C(15) , fengycins A (C(16) -C(17)) and B (C(16)) isoforms in supernatants from strain ARP(2) 3 cultures, whereas the major lipopeptide produced by strain MEP(2) 18 was iturin A C(15) . Alterations in mycelial morphology and sclerotial germination were observed in the presence of lipopeptides-containing supernatants from Bacillus strains cultures. Foliar application of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strains on soybean plants prior to S. sclerotiorum infection resulted in significant protection against sclerotinia stem rot compared with noninoculated plants or plants inoculated with a nonlipopeptide-producing B. subtilis strain. CONCLUSIONS: Both strains, renamed as B. amyloliquefaciens ARP(2) 3 and MEP(2) 18, were able to produce antifungal compounds belonging to the cyclic lipopeptide family. Our data suggest that the foliar application of lipopeptide-producing B. amyloliquefaciens strains could be a promising strategy for the management of sclerotinia stem rot in soybean. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Sclerotinia stem rot was ranked as one of the most severe soybean disease in Argentina and worldwide. The results of this study showed the potential of B. amyloliquefaciens strains ARP(2) 3 and MEP(2) 18 to control plant diseases caused by S. sclerotiorum.

Planar solid-phase microextraction-ion mobility spectrometry: a diethoxydiphenylsilane-based coating for the detection of explosives and explosive taggants.

A novel diethoxydiphenylsilane-based coating for planar solid-phase microextraction was developed using sol-gel technology and used for ion mobility spectrometric detection of the explosives 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, 2,4-dinitrotoluene, and of the explosive taggant ethylene glycol dinitrate. The trap was characterized in terms of coating thickness, morphology, inter-batch repeatability, and extraction efficiency. An average thickness of 143 ± 13 µm with a uniform distribution of the coating was obtained. Good performances of the developed procedure in terms of both intra-batch and inter-batch repeatability with relative standard deviations <7% were obtained. Experimental design and desirability function were used to find the optimal conditions for simultaneous headspace extraction of the investigated compounds: the optimal values were found in correspondence of a time and a temperature of extraction of 45 min and 40 °C, respectively. Detection and quantitation limits in low nanogram levels were achieved proving the superior extraction capability of the developed coating, obtaining ion mobility spectrometric responses at least two times higher than those achieved using commercial teflon and paper traps.

Self-organized nanodot pattern fabrication using the reverse sputtering method.

We demonstrate the synthesis of high density periodic 2D nanodot patterns using reverse sputtering in magnetron sputtering equipment on a single crystal Si substrate and sputter-deposited Si-thin film. In this etching process, a minute amount of Ta is supplied by DC sputtering or splashing from the substrate holder surface. STEM, EDX, TEM and XPS analyses confirmed preferentially localized Ta-silicide in the nanodots. The nanodot pattern formation is attributed to the repeated adsorption and desorption of Ta and Si molecules forming Ta-silicide, and its segregation with self-organization. We also discuss power and time dependence of the nanodot pattern sizes and hole structure formation as a side-effect. This simple process is conducted at room temperature and makes use of an extremely simple setup. Our result promises a significant improvement in the productivity of quantum dot devices and has the potential to trigger their worldwide spread.

Kinetic parameters and inhibition response of ammonia- and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria in membrane bioreactors and conventional activated sludge processes.

Ammonium and nitrite oxidizing biomasses (AOB and NOB) were investigated in parallel pilot plants: a membrane bioreactor (MBR) and a conventional activated sludge process (CASP) fed with domestic wastewater. The kinetics of AOB and NOB were monitored through titrimetric tests. The maximum specific growth rate of the AOB (micro(max,AOB)) was affected by the solids' retention time (SRT) maintained during the start up: by varying the start up SRT from 20 d to 8 d, micro(max,AOB) in the CASP varied from 0.45 d(-1) +/- 0.04 to 0.72 d(-1) +/- 0.2 respectively; the mean value of micro(max,AOB) in the MBR samples (always maintained at SRT = 20 d) was in the range 0.45-0.49 d(-1). The endogenous decay coefficients of the NOB and AOB and the maximum specific growth rates of the NOB were similar in both MBR and CASP. Inhibition tests with different concentrations of allylthiourea (ATU) were carried out on samples from both activated sludge systems: the MBR sludge exhibited higher sensitivity to a low ATU concentration; however, the maximum nitrification activity recovered more rapidly than the CASP sludge.

Osteoblast apoptosis in periodontal disease: role of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand.

Periodontal disease (Pd) is characterized by an increased osteoclast resorption and a decreased osteoblast (OB) bone formation. OBs obtained from alveolar bone of Periodontitis patients (Pp) undergo apoptosis in the presence of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). We studied the intracellular apoptotic pathway induced by TRAIL; TRAIL death (DR4, DR5) and decoy (DcR1, DcR2) receptors expression in Periodontitis patients OBs (PpOBs), and we measured the concentration of TRAIL in the serum of Pp. We demonstrated that DNA fragmentation and activation of caspase-8 and caspase-3 in PpOBs, following TRAIL stimulation, occurred in shorter time; moreover, a higher amount of both caspases was activated in order to direct OBs. Down-regulation of DcR2 in PpOBs was demonstrated and high TRAIL levels were detected in the serum of Pp. In conclusion, our data suggest that PpOBs are more sensitive to TRAIL-induced apoptosis when compared to the control group. The down-regulation of DcR2 possibly leads to an imbalanced ratio between death and decoy receptors. Our findings highlight a role of TRAIL in the pathogenesis of Pd.

Stemness genes expression in naïve vs. osteodifferentiated human dental-derived stem cells.

OBJECTIVE: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been deeply investigated in regenerative medicine because of their crucial role in tissue healing, such as tissue regeneration. Dental-derived stem cells (d-DSCs) are easily available from dental tissues, which can be isolated from all age patients with minimal discomfort. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Normal unerupted third molars tooth buds were collected from adolescents' patients underwent to extractions for orthodontic reasons. The expression of the genes Kruppel-like factor 4 (Klf-4), octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct-4), homeobox transcription factor Nanog (NANOG) was investigated in d-DSCs obtained from dental bud (DBSCs), differentiated toward osteoblastic phenotype and not. RESULTS: Our results showed that DBSCs expressed Oct-4, Nanog, and Klf-4 in undifferentiated conditions and interestingly the expression of such genes increased when the cells were kept in osteogenic medium. CONCLUSIONS: These attractive stemness properties, together with the effortlessly isolation, during common oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, from undifferentiated tissues such as dental bud, make this kind of d-DSCs a promising tool in regenerative medicine, having the potential for clinical applications, and reinforcing the present challenge to develop new preventive and healing strategies in tissue regeneration.

Pancreas transplantation inside Emilia-Romagna, Italy: referral pattern, demand forecasting, and organ availability.

In Italy, referral of diabetic patients for pancreas transplantation (PT) is an unstructured process, resulting in a low rate of activity and late referrals, often when the patient has already undergone dialysis. In addition, the continuous improvement in pancreas transplant alone, offering the opportunity to reduce cardiovascular risk due to proteinuria and reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR), is rarely appreciated. We therefore analyzed (1) referral activity to PT during the time frame 2001-2005 in Emilia-Romagna, Italy (four million inhabitants), by collecting ICD 9 CM codes (55.69 + 52.80; 52.86 and 52.80 alone) by residence of the patient; (2) demand for PT among a sample population of 1670 diabetes patients, whose charts were reviewed for the type of diabetes and presence of overt diabetic nephropathy (DN: proteinuria >300 mg/24 h and/or GFR <60 mL/min); (3) potential pancreas availability as the ratio between pancreas and hearts utilized (UP/HR) in different areas of our country. As a results, (1) referral activity reached 8.4 PT per million people in 5 years in the whole region, ranging from 2.6 in the province where a PT program is active, to a maximum value of 20.7 in the province where a devoted outpatient clinic is operated by nephrologists. (2) Prevalence of overt DN was 6% in our cohort, corresponding to 510 D1 patients worthy of evaluation for PT inside Emilia-Romagna region. (3) During 2006, UP/HR was 0.58 in Associazione Inter-Regionale Trapianti agency, 1.16 in Tuscany, 0.30 in Piedmont, and 0.26 in our region. Taken together, our data showed that (1) the referral of D1 to PT has to be empowered, keeping in touch with all patients suffering from diabetic nephropathy; (2) the outpatient clinic devoted to evaluation and recruitment of D1 with nephropathy plays the key role in this program of timely and widespread referral; (3) the availability of pancreata can be increased by utilizing broader criteria for harvesting, increased consent rate to donation and increased the demand for PT (recipient pool). Pancreas grafts need to increase, since the current low demand produces underutilization of the pancreas resource, due to the frequent lack of a suitable recipient.

Alteration of activity and survival of osteoblasts obtained from human periodontitis patients: role of TRAIL.

Periodontal disease (Pd) is characterized by extensive alveolar bone loss, that occurs as a consequence of the impairment of the normal bone remodelling. Bone remodelling is regulated by the correct balance between osteoclast and osteoblast formation and activity. Alveolar bone loss could be due to an increased bone resorption by osteoclasts or a decreased bone formation by osteoblasts (OBs) or both. Although the role played by osteoclasts in increasing bone resorption in Pd is already known, the behaviour of OBs in this disease is poorly understood. In the present study we hypothesized that activity and survival of OBs, locally present in alveolar bone of Pd patients, are altered. Thus, we studied the activity and survival of OBs obtained from alveolar bone fragments of Pd patients. The results, obtained in OBs from the patients were compared with those from OBs obtained from healthy donors. We demonstrated that OBs from Pd patients weakly express OB phenotype in respect to the control cells. In particular, the alkaline phosphatase activity and the collagen type I production, as well as the formation of mineralized nodules, typical markers of differentiated OBs, were significantly lower in Pd patients. Interestingly, we also demonstrated that OBs from the patients were more sensitive to the apoptotic effect induced by TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). TRAIL, a member of the TNF superfamily, induces apoptosis by interacting with its death receptors, (DR4, DR5). However, its activity can be modulated by two decoy receptors, DcR1 and DcR2. Thus, the sensitiveness of TRAIL induced apoptosis is determined by the ratio of death and decoy receptor. We demonstrated that OBs from Pd patients showed an imbalanced ratio between death and decoy TRAIL receptors due to the down-regulation of DcR2 expression. Furthermore, the levels of TRAIL in the serum of the same patients were significantly higher than those detected in the controls. In conclusion, we show for the first time that the alveolar bone loss in Pd patients could be due to the increased TRAIL-mediated apoptosis of OBs.

["Terzo fuoco", lead poisoning and chronic renal failure]. / "Terzo fuoco", intossicazione da piombo e insufficienza renale cronica.

BACKGROUND: In ceramics, "Terzo fuoco" (Third fire) means a third firing of clay to fix colors on tiles or pottery. The low firing temperatures (800-900 degrees C) and the use of a spray gun are risk factors for lead poisoning. Because of their small size, handicraft companies often fail to implement the preventive measures that are utilized efficiently in large tile factories. We report a case of chronic lead poisoning with special emphasis on diagnostic tools and treatment goals. CASE REPORT: A 38-year-old woman was hospitalized in 2005 because of grade 3 chronic renal failure (serum creatinine 1.69 mg%, Cockroft-Gault glomerular filtration rate [GFR] 45 mL/min), hypertension and elevated serum uric acid (13.4 mg%) without gout. She had been previously hospitalized elsewhere and diagnosed as suffering from hypertensive nephropathy. Her occupational history included acute lead poisoning 12 years before, which was treated with a short leave from work. She subsequently continued her job, using a spray gun for decorative drawing in a small tile company until 2004. Because of a low GFR she underwent a 3-day chelation test with 750 mg CaNaEDTA i.v., and excreted 1056 microg Pb (n.v < 600 microg) -- (PbU/EDTA ratio 1.41; n.v < 0.6). A renal biopsy showed chronic interstitial nephropathy with severe arteriolosclerosis. The patient was treated with 5 courses of EDTA, resulting in a final Pb excretion of 517 microg/72 h (PbU/EDTA 0.69). Her serum creatinine fell to 1.32 mg% (CFR 58 mL/min). A further course of chelation therapy is planned. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The EDTA chelation test allows to determine the lead body burden (PbBB) and to titrate subsequent chelation therapy. Recent papers have shown that PbBB is a major factor in the progression of chronic renal failure besides pressure control, and have indicated a PbBB safety level of less than 100 microg/test (PbU/EDTA < 0.1). In order to prevent the development of chronic renal failure, it is important that not only occupational but also environmental lead exposure be identified and adequately treated.

Use of biomarkers to investigate toxicological effects of produced water treated with conventional and innovative methods.

The aim of this study was to develop and apply a multi-biomarker system to assess the toxicological effects of produced water (PW) from a Mediterranean off-shore oil platform. The selected bioindicator organism, mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis), was exposed in the laboratory to high concentrations of different PW: PW before treatment (BT), after conventional treatment (ACT) and after innovative treatment with zeolites in a prototype system (AIT). A set of biomarkers (benzo(alpha)pyrene monooxygenase, ethoxyresorufin-o-deethylase, vitellogenin, porphyrins, PAH bile metabolites, esterases, catalase, micronuclei) and PAH concentrations were measured in the experimental organism. The methodology proved to be appropriate and biomarker responses (CYP 1A1, PAH bile metabolites, micronuclei, esterases, porphyrins) affected by BT were less affected by ACT. PW treated with zeolites (AIT) had the lowest toxicological impact. The results obtained applying this multi-biomarker approach suggest that the system using zeolites is effective for treating produced water.

Interleukin-7 production by B lymphocytes affects the T cell-dependent osteoclast formation in an in vitro model derived from human periodontitis patients.

Periodontitis is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar bone and connective tissue attachment in the periodontium. We recently reported that T cells support the osteoclastogenesis by the overproduction of nuclear factor-kappa-B-ligand (RANKL) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in an in vitro osteoclastogenesis model from periodontitis patients (Pp). It is known that IL-7 stimulates the production of osteoclastogenic factors by T cells and IL-6 potentiates IL-7 expression. Thus, we studied the involvement of IL-6 and IL-7 in the T cell regulation of osteoclast (OC) formation, in an in vitro osteoclastogenesis model from Pp. We demonstrated high levels of IL-7 in both the media collected from PBMC cultures of Pp and the sera of the same patients. We also demonstrated that freshly isolated B cells from PBMCs of Pp were the source of IL-7 in our model. B cells, in fact, overexpressed IL-7 at mRNA and protein levels, and this production was up-regulated by IL-6. Moreover, the OC formation decreased in the presence of anti-IL-6 and IL-7 functional antibodies in PBMC cultures from Pp. These data suggest that B cells could be responsible for the T cell-dependent osteoclastogenesis in periodontitis through the involvement of IL-6 and IL-7.