Plastic pellet pollution in the Aeolian Islands UNESCO site (Italy, Western Mediterranean Sea): results of a comprehensive characterization and monitoring study.

The archipelago of the Aeolian Islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea is a globally important natural laboratory. The archipelago, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique geology and biodiversity, offers a unique opportunity to study plastic pollution. This study presents an initiative to assess the occurrence of plastic pellets on the beaches of five Aeolian Islands. It provides an insight into the polymer composition and the effects of degradation. Collected pellets were analyzed using stereomicroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) based on the results of the FTIR data has proved to be an effective statistical method in identifying different clusters corresponding to different degradation phases of the collected pellets. The infrared analysis identified polyethylene (80%) as the main polymer, with a small amount of polypropylene (20%). It was found that the surfaces of some pellets undergo changes during weathering that alter the polymer surfaces. By combining data on plastic pellets from the Aeolian Islands and surrounding coastal areas, we are gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the distribution patterns of microplastics. The results of the monitoring and characterization are expected to support the developing of waste management and remediation strategies for this environmentally sensitive region.

Monitoring plastic pellet pollution in coastal environments through handheld Raman spectroscopy: Data from the Mediterranean coasts (Southern Italy).

This paper examines the distribution and chemical properties of beached plastic pellets along the Ionian and Tyrrhenian coasts of Southern Italy. Three locations have been sampled: Agnone Bagni (SR) and Paradiso (ME) on the Ionian coast of Sicily, Baia del Tono in Milazzo (ME) on the Sicilian Tyrrhenian coast, and Pizzo Calabro (VV) in Calabria on the Tyrrhenian coast. Variations in shape, size, compactness, color, and other physical features, correlated with residence times and transport, has been highlighted. Raman spectroscopy, used in a portable configuration, enabled rapid identification of polymer types, demonstrating its utility for on-site plastic pollutant monitoring. Polyethylene and polypropylene were the predominant polymers. Principal component analysis of the spectra determined the optimal chemometric classification of pellets by composition, avoiding interference or distortion. In conclusion, the study provided preliminary insights into pellet abundance, composition, weathering extent, and distribution across these shorelines, underscoring the importance of regular beach monitoring.

COVID-19 and the Additional Radiological Risk during the Lockdown Period in the Province of Naples City (South Italy).

The lockdown restrictions, as a first solution to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, have affected everyone's life and habits, including the time spent at home. The latter factor has drawn attention to indoor air quality and the impact on human health, particularly for chemical pollutants. This study investigated how the increasing time indoor influenced exposure to natural radioactive substances, such as radon gas. To calculate the radiological risk, we considered the most consolidated indices used for radiation protection: annual effective dose, excess lifetime cancer risk, and the lung cancer case. Furthermore, two different exposure times were considered: pre-lockdown and post-lockdown. The lockdown increased the indoor exposure time by 4% and, consequently, the radiological risk factors by 9%. Furthermore, the reference value of 300 Bq/m3, considered acceptable for human radiation protection, may need to be lowered further in the case of conditions similar to those of the lockdown period.

Indoor Radon Concentration and Risk Assessment in 27 Districts of a Public Healthcare Company in Naples, South Italy.

Radon is a major source of ionizing radiation exposure for the general population. It is known that exposure to radon is a risk factor for the onset of lung cancer. In this study, the results of a radon survey conducted in all districts of a Public Healthcare in Italy, are reported. Measurements of indoor radon were performed using nuclear track detectors, CR-39. The entire survey was conducted according to a well-established quality assurance program. The annual effective dose and excess lifetime cancer risk were also calculated. Results show that the radon concentrations varied from 7 ± 1 Bq/m3 and 5148 ± 772 Bq/m3, with a geometric mean of 67 Bq/m3 and geometric standard deviation of 2.5. The annual effective dose to workers was found to be 1.6 mSv/y and comparable with the worldwide average. In Italy, following the transposition of the European Directive 59/2013, great attention was paid to the radon risk in workplaces. The interest of the workers of the monitored sites was very high and this, certainly contributed to the high return rate of the detectors after exposure and therefore, to the presence of few missing data. Although it was not possible to study the factors affecting radon concentrations, certainly the main advantage of this study is that it was the first in which an entire public health company was monitored in regards to all the premises on the underground and ground floor.

Feasibility and Accuracy of Transduodenal Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration of Solid Lesions Using a 19-Gauge Flexible Needle: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is the go-to method for obtaining samples from gastrointestinal tract and pancreatic lesions. When the transduodenal approach is utilized, the use of a more flexible needle, such as a nitinol 19-gauge (G) needle, has been recommended. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of 19-G flexible aspiration needles in obtaining samples from solid lesions through a transduodenal approach. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from eight Italian endoscopy centers. Consecutive patients with solid lesions who underwent transduodenal EUS-FNA with a 19-G flexible needle were included. RESULTS: A total of 201 patients were enrolled. According to histology, EUS, radiology and 12 months of follow-up, 151 patients had malignant lesions and 50 patients had benign lesions. EUS-FNA was feasible in all cases. An adequate histologic sample was obtained in all except eight cases (96.1%). The sensitivity of EUS-FNA was 92.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 86.8%-95.7%), and the specificity was 100% (95% CI, 90.5%-100%). The positive predictive value was 100% (95% CI, 93.4%-100%), and the negative predictive value was 74% (95% CI, 62.8%-82.7%). The diagnostic accuracy was 93.5% (95% CI, 89.2%-96.5%). CONCLUSION: The transduodenal approach for obtaining samples from solid lesions using a 19-G flexible needle seems feasible and accurate.

Modern Iron Ooids of Hydrothermal Origin as a Proxy for Ancient Deposits.

We constrained the origin and genetic environment of modern iron ooids (sand-sized grains with a core and external cortex of concentric laminae) providing new tools for the interpretation of their fossil counterparts as well as the analogous particles discovered on Mars. Here, we report an exceptional, unique finding of a still active deposit of submillimetric iron ooids, under formation at the seabed at a depth of 80 m over an area characterized by intense hydrothermal activity off Panarea, a volcanic island north of Sicily (Italy). An integrated analysis, carried out by X-ray Powder Diffraction, Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray Fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy reveals that Panarea ooids are deposited at the seafloor as concentric laminae of primary goethite around existing nuclei. The process is rapid, and driven by hydrothermal fluids as iron source. A sub-spherical, laminated structure resulted from constant agitation and by degassing of CO2-dominated fluids through seafloor sediments. Our investigations point the hydrothermal processes as responsible for the generation of the Panarea ooids, which are neither diagenetic nor reworked. The presence of ooids at the seawater-sediments interface, in fact, highlights how their development and growth is still ongoing. The proposed results show a new process responsible for ooids formation and gain a new insight into the genesis of iron ooids deposits that are distributed at global scale in both modern and past sediments.

Exceptional discovery of a shallow-water hydrothermal site in the SW area of Basiluzzo islet (Aeolian archipelago, South Tyrrhenian Sea): An environment to preserve.

The geological, biological and geochemical features of a particular field of hydrothermal vents, discovered in the Panarea Volcanic Complex during a research survey carried out in 2015, are described for the first time. The site, located at 70-80 m depth off the South-western coast of the islet of Basiluzzo, was named Smoking Land for the presence of a large number of wide and high active chimneys and was characterized in terms of dissolved benthic fluxes, associated macrofauna and megafauna communities and preliminary mineralogy and geochemistry of chimney structures. On the whole field, a total of 39 chimneys, different in size and shape, were closely observed and described; 14 of them showed emission of low temperature hydrothermal fluids of marine origin characterized by acidified chemical conditions. The CTD and benthic chamber measurements highlighted that the Smoking Land is able to form a sea water bottom layer characterized by variable acidity and high DIC and trace elements concentrations; these characteristics weaken moving away from the chimney mouths. The SEM-EDS analysis of the collected solid samples revealed a chimney structure principally composed by amorphous and low crystalline Fe-oxyhydroxides of hydrothermal origins. The ROV explorations revealed a wide coverage of red algae (Peyssonnelia spp.) colonized by the green algae Flabiella petiolata and by suspension feeders, mainly sponges, but also bryozoans, and tubicolous polychaetes. Although novent-exclusive species were identified, the benthic communities found in association to the chimneys included more taxa than those observed in the surrounding no-vent rocky areas. These first findings evidence a submarine dynamic habitat where geological, chemical and biological processes are intimately connected, making the Smoking Land an important site in terms of marine heritage that should be safeguarded and protected.

Cherry-tree colon: colonoscopic appearance suggesting drug-induced mucosal injury.

Drug-induced damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa has been mainly focused on damage in the upper tract. However, increasing evidence suggests that commonly used drugs may also affect the mucosa of the lower gut, and particularly in the colon. The aim of this study was to report that fairly homogeneous colonoscopic findings, correlate with histological evidence of drug-induced mucosal injury. Charts of patients with the "cherry tree" colonoscopic aspect were reviewed to correlate the endoscopic and histological findings for a possible association with the use of drugs. Data from 29 patients (5 men, 24 women, age range 16-76 years) with the "cherry tree" colonoscopic findings were analyzed. Histology revealed an increase in eosinophils in the left colon in 23 patients, pseudomelanosis coli in 3, and microscopic colitis in 3. The findings were associated with proton pump inhibitors in 19 (65.5 %), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or statins (3 cases each), and other drugs [4 cases, including estroprogestinics (1), antidepressants (2), and thyroxin (1)]. The "cherry tree" colonoscopic appearance suggests drug-induced colonic damage. Awareness of this association may prevent unnecessary, expensive and time-consuming procedures.

Linear endoscopic ultrasonography vs magnetic resonance imaging in ampullary tumors.

AIM: To assess linear endoscopic ultrasound (L-EUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in biliary tract dilation and suspect small ampullary tumor. METHODS: L-EUS and MRI data were compared in 24 patients with small ampullary tumors; all with subsequent histological confirmation. Data were collected prospectively and the accuracy of detection, histological characterization and N staging were assessed retrospectively using the results of surgical or endoscopic treatment as a benchmark. RESULTS: A suspicion of ampullary tumor was present in 75% of MRI and all L-EUS examinations, with 80% agreement between EUS and histological findings at endoscopy. However, L-EUS and histological TN staging at surgery showed moderate agreement (κ = 0.54). CONCLUSION: L-EUS could be a useful adjunct as a diagnostic tool in the evaluation of patients with suspected ampullary tumors.

Parallel regulation of PKC-alpha and PKC-delta characterizes the occurrence of erythroid differentiation from human primary hematopoietic progenitors.

OBJECTIVE: Erythroid differentiation is a process characterized by modulation of different proteins including phosphoinositide-related enzymes such as protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms. Because in different cell lines PKC-alpha and PKC-delta have been reported to be involved in the mechanisms controlling proliferation and differentiation, the aim of this study was to examine the relative involvement of these PKC isoforms in the development of CD235a+ erythroid cells from human healthy hematopoietic progenitors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Erythroid differentiation from human primary hematopoietic progenitor cells was achieved by adopting the human erythroblasts mass amplification culture. Expression and activity of PKC isoforms and their relationship with proliferation and differentiation were investigated by morphologic analysis, reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, multiparametric flow cytometry, and transfection experiments. RESULTS: PKC-alpha was found expressed and phosphorylated in cells undergoing both proliferation and differentiation, although PKC-delta, largely expressed and activated during proliferation, was evidently downregulated during differentiation. Overexpression of PKC-delta-CAT scarcely influenced the development of glycophorin-A (CD235a)+ erythroid cells from hematopoietic progenitors, although overexpression of PKC-alpha-CAT strongly induced the development of CD235a+ erythroid cells. On the other hand, in PKC-alpha-CAT-transfected cells, pharmacologic inhibition of PKC-delta further increased the number of CD235a+ cells, although inhibition of PKC-alpha resulted in an evident impairment of the development of CD235a+ erythroid cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the suppression or at least a strong downregulation of PKC-delta, concomitant to PKC-alpha expression and activity, might be a cofactor to be further investigated and might be involved in the events regulating erythropoietin-induced erythroid differentiation from human primary hematopoietic progenitor cells.

3alpha-6alpha-Dihydroxy-7alpha-fluoro-5beta-cholanoate (UPF-680), physicochemical and physiological properties of a new fluorinated bile acid that prevents 17alpha-ethynyl-estradiol-induced cholestasis in rats.

3alpha-6alpha-Dihydroxy-7alpha-fluoro-5beta-cholanoate (UPF-680), the 7alpha-fluorine analog of hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA), was synthesized to improve bioavailability and stability of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Acute rat biliary fistula and chronic cholestasis induced by 17alpha-ethynyl-estradiol (17EE) models were used to study and compare the effects of UPF-680 (dose range 0.6-6.0 micromol/kg min) with UDCA on bile flow, biliary bicarbonate (HCO(3)(-)), lipid output, biliary bile acid composition, hepatic enzymes and organic anion pumps. In acute infusion, UPF-680 increased bile flow in a dose-related manner, by up to 40.9%. Biliary HCO(3)(-) output was similarly increased. Changes were observed in phospholipid secretion only at the highest doses. Treatment with UDCA and UPF-680 reversed chronic cholestasis induced by 17EE; in this model, UDCA had no effect on bile flow in contrast to UPF-680, which significantly increased bile flow. With acute administration of UPF-680, the biliary bile acid pool became enriched with unconjugated and conjugated UPF-680 (71.7%) at the expense of endogenous cholic acid and muricholic isomers. With chronic administration of UPF-680 or UDCA, the main biliary bile acids were tauro conjugates, but modification of biliary bile acid pool was greater with UPF-680. UPF-680 increased the mRNA for cytochrome P450 7A1 (CYP7A1) and cytochrome P450 8B (CYP8B). Both UDCA and UPF-680 increased the mRNA for Na(+) taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NCTP). In conclusion, UPF-680 prevented 17EE-induced cholestasis and enriched the biliary bile acid pool with less detergent and cytotoxic bile acids. This novel fluorinated bile acid may have potential in the treatment of cholestatic liver disease.

Correlation among cytokines, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and modality of ventilation in preterm newborns: improvement with melatonin treatment.

Improved survival because of advances in neonatal care has resulted in an increased number of infants at risk for chronic lung disease. Even though the etiology of lung injury is multifactorial, recent animal and clinical data indicate that pulmonary damage depends in large part on the ventilatory strategies used. Ventilator-associated lung injury was believed to result from the use of high pressure, thus, the term barotraumas. This trauma is believed to involve free-radical damage. Oxidant injury is a serious cause of lung injury. In the present study, 110 newborns with respiratory distress syndrome were studied; 55 were treated with melatonin and the other 55 with placebo. All the subjects were mechanically ventilated with or without guaranteed volume. Proinflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha] were measured in tracheobronchial aspirate and the clinical outcome was evaluated. Melatonin treatment reduced the proinflammatory cytokines and improved the clinical outcome. The beneficial action of melatonin presumably related to its antioxidative actions.

Protective effects of 6-ethyl chenodeoxycholic acid, a farnesoid X receptor ligand, in estrogen-induced cholestasis.

The farnesoid X receptor (FXR), an endogenous sensor for bile acids, regulates a program of genes involved in bile acid biosynthesis, conjugation, and transport. Cholestatic liver diseases are a group of immunologically and genetically mediated disorders in which accumulation of endogenous bile acids plays a role in the disease progression and symptoms. Here, we describe the effect of 6-ethyl chenodeoxycholic acid (6-ECDCA or INT-747), a semisynthetic bile acid derivative and potent FXR ligand, in a model of cholestasis induced by 5-day administration of 17alpha-ethynylestradiol (E(2)17alpha) to rats. The exposure of rat hepatocytes to 1 microM 6-ECDCA caused a 3- to 5-fold induction of small heterodimer partner (Shp) and bile salt export pump (bsep) mRNA and 70 to 80% reduction of cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (cyp7a1), oxysterol 12beta-hydroxylase (cyp8b1), and Na(+)/taurocholate cotransporting peptide (ntcp). In vivo administration of 6-ECDCA protects against cholestasis induced by E(2)17alpha. Thus, 6-ECDCA reverted bile flow impairment induced by E(2)17alpha, reduced secretion of cholic acid and deoxycholic acid, but increased muricholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid secretion. In vivo administration of 6-ECDCA increased liver expression of Shp, bsep, multidrug resistance-associated protein-2, and multidrug resistance protein-2, whereas it reduced cyp7a1 and cyp8b1 and ntcp mRNA. These changes were reproduced by GW4064, a synthetic FXR ligand. In conclusion, by demonstrating that 6-ECDCA protects against E(2)17alpha cholestasis, our data support the notion that development of potent FXR ligands might represent a new approach for the treatment of cholestatic disorders.

Treatment with all-trans retinoic acid plus tamoxifen and vitamin E in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Low serum retinol and hepatic tocopherol levels correlate with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk. Antiestrogen tamoxifen seems useful in HCC patients. A pilot study was performed to evaluate the effect of all-trans retinoic acid associated with tamoxifen and vitamin E on patients with advanced HCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifteen consecutive patients with advanced HCC were included in the study. Patients were evaluated for survival, quality of life, liver function, tumor mass, toxicity related to the treatment and retinoid receptors in liver biopsies. RESULTS: The median survival of our patients was 22 months. Pain and asthenia were improved in the majority of patients. Every patient with baseline elevated liver enzymes showed an improvement in liver function. RAR-alpha, RXR-alpha, RAR-beta and RAR-gamma receptors were demonstrated in 100%, 73%, 47% and 40%, respectively. CONCLUSION: A combination therapy of all-trans retinoic acid, tamoxifen and vitamin E increases the survival rate and ameliorates the clinical outcome in patients with inoperable HCC.

Early indicators of chronic lung disease in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome and their inhibition by melatonin.

Improved survival from advances in neonatal care has resulted in an increased number of infants at risk for chronic lung disease (CLD). Recently, it was reported that inflammatory mediators such as interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and IL-8 are present in higher concentrations in lung lavage from babies who develop CLD. Previously, we found that melatonin reduced the rises in proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha) and nitrite/nitrate levels in the serum of preterm newborns with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The values correlated with gestational age and iatrogenic trauma in the form of oxygen exposure and mechanical ventilation. Increased concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines may, therefore, be the most valuable early indicator of developing CLD and these measurements may assist in selecting infants for interventions such as melatonin treatment or more selective blockage of components of inflammation. In the current study, we extend the original observations and report results in which 120 newborns diagnosed with RDS were either treated with melatonin (60 children) or given placebo (60 children). The cytokine measures were consistent with the previously reported findings and showed that melatonin reduced these values and also lowered nitrite/nitrate levels in serum of newborns with respiratory distress. Furthermore, when nonmelatonin-treated newborns who developed CLD (eight infants) were examined separately, they had levels of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha and nitrite/nitrate values much higher than those in children who did not develop CLD. Two of the nonmelatonin-treated newborns died while no children who received melatonin died. Melatonin was well tolerated by the newborns.

Reduced frequency of wheezing respiratory illness in infants with perinatal human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 infection: a model for immunologic and inflammatory mechanisms of airway obstruction?

A multivariate analysis using a logistic regression model evaluated odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence limits (95% CL) of pediatrician-diagnosed wheezing respiratory illness in 75 infants with perinatal human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 (HIV-1) infection, 205 uninfected infants of HIV-1 infected mothers, and 1780 infants of HIV-1 uninfected mothers. Infants were prospectively followed-up for the first 2 years of life. Covariates were risk factors for wheezing respiratory illness (preterm delivery, low birth weight, maternal smoking, formula feeding, and neonatal respiratory disorders). Maternal use of illicit drugs in pregnancy, antiretroviral treatment in pregnancy, maternal HIV-1-related clinical condition at the time of delivery were also included in the models when infants of HIV-1 infected mothers were taken into account. Although the frequency of risk factors for wheezing respiratory illness was higher in infants of HIV-1 infected than in those of uninfected mothers, HIV-1 infection emerged as a protective factor [OR: 0.001 (95% CL: 0.0001-0.01); p < 0.001]. The frequency of risk factors was similarly high among infants of infected mothers, but OR was lower in HIV-1 infected than in uninfected infants of infected mothers (0.005; 95% CL: 0.0004-0.06; p < 0.001). Finally, OR was higher in uninfected infants of HIV-1 infected mothers (who evidenced a higher frequency of risk factors) than in infants of HIV-1 uninfected mothers (9.97; 95% CL: 4.87-20.40; p < 0.001). Understanding the reason why HIV-1 protects against wheezing respiratory illness could shed light on the immunologic and inflammatory mechanisms of airway obstruction.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) activates Jak1/Stat3-Stat5B signaling through TNFR-1 in human B cells.

The biological actions of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) are mediated by two cell surface receptors, TNFR-1 and TNFR-2. These receptors do not display protein tyrosine kinase activity. Nevertheless, an early TNF-induced activation of specific tyrosine kinases has been reported as an important cue to the cellular response to this cytokine. Here we present evidence that TNF-alpha induces the activation of the cytoplasmic Janus tyrosine kinases Jak1 and Tyk2 in both human healthy peripheral and lymphoma B cells. This event was accompanied by the recruitment of a specific set of latent cytosolic transcription factors, Stat3 and Stat5b. Furthermore, Jak1 coprecipitated with TNFR-1 after TNF-alpha treatment. These data suggest that at least in human B cells this cytokine can exert its biological effects through the Jak-Stat signaling pathway and that such signals are initiated through an interaction between TNFR-1 and Jak 1.