Ethnobotany of dye plants in Southern Italy, Mediterranean Basin: floristic catalog and two centuries of analysis of traditional botanical knowledge heritage.

BACKGROUND: Since ancient times, man has learned to use plants to obtain natural dyes, but this traditional botanical knowledge (TBK) is eroding. In the late, during, and the early 1800s, there was an increase in research related to dye species, and this allowed the development of industry and economy in rural contexts of Southern Italy. Today, dyes are mainly obtained from synthetic products, and this leads to risks for human health related to pollution. METHODS: Starting from the literature, three catalogs of the dyeing species (plants, algae, fungi, and lichens) used in the Mediterranean Basin and mainly in Southern Italy have been created. Percentages of parts used and colors extracted from species have been recorded and analyzed. The plant species present in the catalogs have been verified in the territories of Southern Italy, and the data have been registered. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted, in the region of Southern Italy, to verify the erosion level of traditional botanical knowledge, linked to the ethnobotanical dyeing, over time. RESULTS: A total of 524 species were recorded among plants, algae, fungi, and lichens, and related parts used and extracted pigments. Most uses concern the stems and leaves, and the most frequent color is yellow. From the on-field survey operations, 283 plant species have been verified. These represent 64.31% of the species reported in the flora of the dye plants produced. The results, from the ethnobotanical survey, show that only 8.6% of TBK remained in the collective memory. CONCLUSIONS: This catalog is among the largest in this sector and is the basis for studies related to the restoration of an eco-sustainable economy which would allow the development of marginal areas present throughout Southern Italy.

The effectiveness and efficiency of phytoremediation of a multicontaminated industrial site: Porto Marghera (Venice Lagoon, Italy).

The Venice Lagoon is worldwide considered as a typical example of the human impact on the surrounding ecosystem. The development of the industrial zone of Porto Marghera begun in 1917 as an extension of the Venice Port, in order to sustain activities related to oil and coal, as well as to exploit the railway system. Despite the recent decrease in the number of employees, Porto Marghera is still one of the most important chemical districts in Italy. This study reports early results from the ongoing in-situ phytoextraction of potentially toxic elements (Cd, Hg, Zn) within the industrial area of Porto Marghera. Two agronomic plant species with high annual biomass yield (Helianthus annuus L., Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.) were used. This paper also reports the microcosms and mesocosms tests to evaluate the efficacy of the treatments to be applied to the in-situ phytoextraction process of the polluted site. The combined use of EDTA and Ammonium Thiosulfate during phytoextraction increases the efficiency of Cd, Hg, Zn removal from contaminated soil.

Assessment of three approaches of bioremediation (Natural Attenuation, Landfarming and Bioagumentation - Assistited Landfarming) for a petroleum hydrocarbons contaminated soil.

Contamination with total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) subsequent to refining activities, is currently one of the major environmental problems. Among the biological remediation approaches, landfarming and in situ bioremediation strategies are of great interest. Purpose of this study was to verify the feasibility of a remediation process wholly based on biological degradation applied to contaminated soils from a decommissioned refinery. This study evaluated through a pot experiment three bioremediation strategies: a) Natural Attenuation (NA), b) Landfarming (L), c) Bioaugmentation-assisted Landfarming (LB) for the treatment of a contaminated soil with petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs). After a 90-days trial, Bioagumentation - assistited Landfarming approach produced the best results and the greatest evident effect was shown with the most polluted samples reaching a reduction of about 86% of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), followed by Landfarming (70%), and Natural Attenuation (57%). The results of this study demonstrated that the combined use of bioremediation strategies was the most advantageous option for the treatment of contaminated soil with petroleum hydrocarbons, as compared to natural attenuation, bioaugmentation or landfarming applied alone. Besides, our results indicate that incubation with an autochthonous bacterial consortium may be a promising method for bioremediation of TPH-contaminated soils.

Characterization of micellar systems produced by new amphiphilic conjugates of poly(ethylene glycol).

This study proposes polymeric micelles produced using new amphiphilic conjugates between amino- or carboxy-mPEG2000 and three different α-lipoamino acids (PEG-LAA). The characterization of these colloidal systems showed CMC values, in the order of 10(-5 )M, that are interesting in the view of an in vivo administration. The PEG-LAA micelles also showed a good stability at 37 °C and upon dilution in aqueous media. Using a colored probe as a model lipophilic compound, the loading efficiency and in vitro release profile were also outlined.

Evidence for complex binding profiles and species differences at the translocator protein (TSPO) (18 kDa).

The translocator protein (TSPO) (18 kDa) is an emerging drug target for the treatment of numerous pathologies including cancer and neurodegenerative disease. However, our limited knowledge of TSPO binding site(s) has hindered the development of TSPO ligands with potential therapeutic effects. We have synthesized a series of pyrrolobenzoxazepines (1-10) to better characterize the interaction of ligands with the TSPO across species, and to determine their functional profiles. All ligands 1-10 displaced the binding of [3H]PK 11195 to the TSPO at nanomolar concentrations, with discrepancies in binding affinity between rat and human TSPO. Interestingly, non-linear regression analysis revealed that some ligands bound to the protein with a Hill slope not equal to 1.0, suggesting possible additional TSPO binding sites with allosteric effects. However, this trend was not conserved between rat and human. When tested for their effects on pregnenolone production in rat C6 glioma cells, nitric oxide release in murine microglia, and cell proliferation in human MCF-7 breast cancer cells, the pyrrolobenzoxazepines (40 µM) displayed functional effects which did not correlate to the binding trend observed in competition assays. We propose that consideration of species differences and binding site cooperativity, plus optimization of currently accepted functional assays, will aid in the development of drugs targeting TSPO that can be used as therapeutics for human disease.

An AFM investigation of oligonucleotides anchored on unoxidized crystalline silicon surfaces.

Carboxylic terminated monolayers have been covalently attached on phosphorous doped crystalline (100) silicon surfaces using a cathodic electro grafting technique. The functionalization concentration and efficiency have been evaluated with different techniques. In particular, topographic images, performed with an atomic force microscope, were used to optimize the protocol in order to obtain a surface whose characteristics of uniformity and reproducibility are ideal for a bio-electronic device. Phase lag images of the functionalized surfaces were also performed, and show non-topographic structures that have been interpreted as areas of different molecule self-orientation. Poly-thymine oligonucleotides have been anchored on such a surface to form a nano-biosensing device capable to react selectively with a specific target molecule, a poly-adenine oligonucleotide. AFM images of high density (approximately 3x10(12) mol/cm2) single strand and double strand covered samples show toroidal shaped structures formed by the self-assembly of the oligonucleotides on the silicon surface.

Inhibition of herpes simplex virus type 1 by aqueous extracts from leaves of Helichrysum litoreum Guss.

Helichrysum litoreum Guss, a Campania medicinal plant reported to have antibacterial properties, was evaluated for antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in vitro. The crude aqueous extract from leaves of Helichrysum litoreum at a concentration of 1.35 mg/ml (ww/v) showed significant antiviral activity on HSV-1 in human lung fibroblast as demonstrated by the absence of a cytopathic effect.

Antimicrobial activity of Verbascum macrurum Ten. (Scrophulariaceae).

The Author presents the results regarding the antibacterial action of extracts of Verbascum macrurum Ten.. The leaves of this species, gathered on the slopes of Mt. Matese, were ground and four extracts were made as follows: with dicholoromethane, ethonol and water (70:30 v/v), water and methanol. The antibacterial activity of each of the samples was tested and it is demonstrated that the extract with the ethanol/water was the most activity one.

Preliminary report on antimicrobial activity of Helichrysum litoreum Guss.

The authors present the preliminary results regarding the antibacterial action of extracts of Helichrysum litoreum Guss. The leaves and the young stems of this species, gathered on the slopes of Mt Vesuvius, in the Campania region, were ground and four extracts were made as follows: with dichloromethane, ethanol and water (70:30 v/v), water and methanol. The antibacterial activity of each of the samples was tested in order to determine which of the extracts was more antibacterial. The results of the test showed that the extract with the ethanol/water (70/30 v/v) was the most active one. This will allow us to advance in the research, purifying the extract and hopefully identifying the active principles.

[Correlation between functional and radiographic data, and broncho-alveolar cytology in patients with diffuse interstitial lung disease]. / Correlazioni fra dati funzionali, radiografici e cellularità bronchiolo-alveolare in pazienti affetti da pneumopatie interstiziali diffuse.

BACKGROUND: "Interstitial Lung Disease" is a term that includes a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by variable degrees of parenchymal inflammation (alveolitis) and fibrosis. Alveolitis represents one of the most important aspects of ILD and its characterization by broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) can give explanations of the different clinical features, in association with the evaluation of physiological changes and High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT). The aim of this study was to establish a correlation between variations in broncho-alveolar cells and anatomical-functional alterations in patients affected by ILD before and after corticoid therapy. METHODS: Thirty-one patients (14 males 17 females) were introduced in the study and were evaluated for clinical signs, functional parameters, HRCT and cyto-immunological aspects of BAL fluid. All data were acquired at the admission in the study, after 60 and 180 days. Patients had received prednisone 1 mg/kg/die for 60 days and, then, 0.25 mg/kg/die for 120 days. RESULTS: In lymphocyte alveolitis, a clinical-radiological improvement was frequently observed after therapy while in those with neutrophilic and eosinophilic components, no improvement was detected. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, BAL represents a useful tool in qualifying ILD which can be easily monitored by clinical, functional and radiological data. Therefore, a new method for the diagnosis and monitoring of ILD is suggested. This method has the marked advantage to reach a reliable diagnosis even in a high percentage of patients who refuse or can not undergo the biopsy assay.

A climate survey for medical students. A means to assess change.

An instrument was developed to assess the perceptions of students regarding six aspects of school climate and their experience of and attitudes toward sexual harassment and gender insensitivity. During clerkship orientation, 77 students (92% return rate), half female, were given the survey. Cronbach alpha reliabilities for the six scales ranged from .71 to .85. One significant female/male difference among the three scales of general school climate was observed; two significant female/male differences occurred among the three scales relating to gender concerns. Seventy percent of both males and females reported having observed sexually harassing behavior during the previous year; 46% of females and 15% of males reported experiencing sexually harassing behavior during the year. Observing and/or personally experiencing sexual harassment was associated with a decrease in positive climate ratings and an increase in negative climate ratings.

Protective effects of nedocromil sodium on cellular and biohumoral components present in the bronchial alveolar lavage fluid and in peripheral blood in atopic asthmatics.

Nedocromil sodium, a disodium salt of a pyroquinolinedicarboxylic acid, raises the bronchial hyperresponsiveness threshold, because it inhibits the mediators released by the various cells, and reduces the involvement and activation of inflammatory cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the state of activation of the immunocompetent cells and the main chemical mediators present in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from 10 atopic asthmatic patients, before and after treatment with nedocromil sodium. The following examinations were performed before treatment and after 120 days of therapy with nedocromil sodium at 16 mg/day (two 2-mg puffs x 4): the level of chemical mediators and the state of activation of immunocompetent cells in BAL fluid; immunological analytes in activation of immunocompetent cells in BAL fluid; immunological analytes in peripheral blood; aspecific bronchial challenge test with ultrasonicated bidistilled H2O fog to evaluate variations in the hyperreactivity threshold; questionnaire to determine any adverse effects of treatment (cough, breathlessness, sleep disorders). Our findings demonstrate that nedocromil sodium prevents the release of chemotactic and inflammatory mediators by the effector cells and thus stabilizes microvascular permeability and epithelial damage, so raising the threshold of response to bronchoconstriction stimuli. Lastly, nedocromil sodium is associated with a better preventive therapeutic efficacy and good tolerance and can therefore be suggested as a valid drug to be used in the long-term treatment of bronchial asthma.

[Multiple carcinomas: considerations on several cases with synchronous/metachronous involvement of the respiratory tract]. / Carcinomi multipli: considerazioni su alcuni casi a coinvolgimento sincrono e/o metacrono delle vie respiratorie.

The authors report their observations on 7 cases of multiple malignant tumors during the period 1988/1992 (frequency of 0.03 x 100). They report that primary malignant tumors involved the laryinx and the wang, and both the lungs in a synchronous or metacronous way. They suggest that pathogenesis of multiple malignant tumors may be very similar to that of multiple endocrinous neoplasms.

Levodropropizine in the premedication to fibrebronchoscopy.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of cough-preventing treatment with levodropropizine, a drug inhibiting peripheral cough reflexes, in patients undergoing bronchial endoscopy. Sixteen patients, aged 37-73 years, suffering from chronic obstructive lung disease in the hypersecretory phase, were included in the study. The experiment was designed as double blind with double observer, controlled versus placebo. As comparative efficacy parameters were considered the number of anaesthetic boluses (lidocaine at 2%) administered during and immediately after the manoeuvre. The number of coughs during and 10 min after bronchoscopy was registered on a magnetic tape and read by a blinded observer thereafter. Levodropropizine was given as oral drops (20 each time, equal to 60 mg active drug) 12 h and 1 h before bronchoscopy. Data analysis was performed by descriptive statistical tests and by the non-parametric Wilcoxon test for paired samples. Levodropropizine treatment significantly reduced the number of anaesthetic enemas (p less than 0.01), and presented an excellent tolerability and safety profile.

[Diagnostic role of BAL in pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis]. / Ruolo diagnostico del BAL nella microlitiasi alveolare polmonare.

From 1982-90, 3721 fiber bronchoscopies were performed for the diagnostics of diffused alveolar-septal pathologies; BAL was performed in 400 cases. Alveolar pulmonary microlithiasis was diagnosed in 6 patients, and two of them were related. The staging and the evolution of the pathology were evaluated as follows: chest x-ray in various projections, calcemia, lung function tests, fiber bronchoscopy with analysis of BAL and quantitative evaluation of macrophagic and lympho-monocytic elements and in percentage of calcosferitics. Four patients were treated with therapeutic BAL in the lungs with normal saline, and the cytological results and the percentage of calcosferitics were monitored for 24 months.

[Cefotetan treatment of suppurative bronchopulmonary syndromes sustained by anaerobic germs]. / Trattamento con cefotetan delle sindromi suppurative bronco-polmonari sostenute da germi anaerobi.

The Authors have analyzed the effect of Cefotetan in 20 patients affected by bronchopulmonary pathologies supported by anaerobic bacterium. During 7 days doses of 50 mg. pro Kg/pro die were given. From beginning to end of the treatment clinical, hematochemical and radiological data were evaluated. Bacteriological analysis was made on samples drawn with BFS according to a traditional method and with microbiology specimen brush. Almost all the patients (95%) realized improvements in clinical symptomatology and in radiological picture.

[Pulmonary tuberculosis today. The findings over a 5-year period in a ward for women]. / La tubercolosi polmonare oggi. Rilievi su di un quinquennio in una divisione femminile.

The authors studied the cases of pulmonary tuberculosis they had the opportunity to observe during a five-year period from 1985 to 1989 carrying out the phenomenon. As a result they pointed out that the worst affected subjects belonged to the age bands included between the second and the third decade, followed by the fifth decade and over. They concluded that the 234 cases they examined do not represent the real number of affected subjects and that elderly patients to the most serious cases.

Alterations of the endoalveolar surfactant after surgery with extracorporeal circulation.

In 10 patients who required extracorporeal circulation (ECC) during surgery, we studied the damage induced by surgery to the pulmonary surfactant and the effectiveness of ambroxol in preventing changes in the phospholipid pool. There were 5 control patients and 5 patients who were given 1 g/day of ambroxol on the 4 days prior to and the 4 days after surgery. To follow changes in phospholipid concentrations, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed before surgery and 24 h and 8 days after ECC. Phospholipids were assayed in the BAL liquid by two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography. There were marked decreases in total phosphorus and quantitative alterations of individual phospholipid species in the surfactant of the control group, but not in the patients treated with ambroxol.

[Incidence of cefotetan sensitivity in anaerobic microbes responsible for acute and chronic relapsing bronchopneumonia]. / Incidenza della sensibilità al cefotetan di germi anaerobi responsabili di broncopneumopatie acute e croniche riacutizzate.

Bronchial fluid samples obtained from 50 patients with respiratory tract infections were analyzed for anaerobic flora isolation, identification of micro-organisms and evaluation of their sensitivity to cefotetan. Anaerobic strains were identified in 18 patients (36%), generally with exacerbations of chronic diseases: cefotetan was active on 100% of isolates.