Effects of PCB-126 on aryl hydrocarbon receptor, ubiquitin and p53 expression levels in Sparus aurata.

The aim of the present study is to determine if Ahr ligands as PCB-126, a dioxin-like, might contribute to inhibition of the tumor suppressor p53 by promoting its degradation through proteasome-ubiquitin system (UPS). The findings show, in the presence of PCB-126, a significant increase of p53 immunoreactivity in fish compared to the control. Subsequently, there is a decrease of p53 immunoreactivity at 24h which is maintained even at 72h. At the same time there is a slight decrease of ubiquitin immunoreactivity to 12h compared to the control and a marked decrease to 24 and 72h. The induction of ubiquitin expression is resulted very marked in the control and preserved at 12h. It's very important to underline as in our study we demonstrate a marked decrease of ubiquitin and p53 immunoreactivity at 24h and 72h. AHR activation, by ligands as PCB-126, increases p53 ubiquitation inhibiting its expression, in addition it decreases the free ubiquitin promoting disruption of Ub homeostasis; this is the first report that establishes a relationship between AhR, increases p53 ubiquitation, and reduction of free ubiquitin. Our result emphasize the need to deeply the role of this receptor in UPS regulation as potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

Inorganic anions in goat and ovine milk from Calabria (Italy) by suppressed ion chromatography.

Forty-seven samples of milk taken from goat and ovine farms in Calabria (southern Italy) between April and May 2010 were analysed. Analyses were carried out by ion chromatography (ICS 1000; Dionex). For method validation, RSDs (%) on retention times and on peak area were determined by considering a mixture of standard anions at the concentration level of 0.1-30 mg l(-1) for chloride, bromide, nitrite, nitrate, sulfate and phosphate. The higher RSDs were 1.4% and 2.2% for retention times and 2.4% and 3.7% for areas for intra- and inter-day repeatability, respectively. Good linearity was observed in each concentration range, with linear correlation coefficients (R(2)) better than 0.987. The LODs and LOQs were calculated experimentally as signal-to-noise ratios of 3 and 10, respectively. Analysis of the results obtained indicated that phosphates were the most abundant anion (1409-3050 mg l(-1)) followed by chloride (679-2568 mg l(-1)) and sulfates (25-341 mg l(-1)). Nitrates were found to be lower at 146 mg l(-1) (the maximum value observed). The values of anions found in this work are in agreement with those reported in the literature for cow's milk. There are no significant differences between ovine and goat's milk samples. The method used for this analysis of anions combines rapidity with high precision, accuracy and sensitivity; therefore, it is suitable for routine analysis. Moreover, one of the most obvious advantages of this technique is that multiple elements can be determined in one sample with no serial dilutions and the complete analysis can be performed by using only one instrument.

Determination of trace elements in goat and ovine milk from Calabria (Italy) by ICP-AES.

There are many sources of contamination to which milk could be exposed: grazing animals can ingest contaminants present in nature, such as lead in soil, or that have been deposited on grass, resulting from industrial emissions. Another possible route of contamination is represented by feed for animals, which may contain heavy and essential metals. The potential of high-resolution inductively coupled plasma spectrometry was evaluated to quantify reliably various toxic and essential elements (Fe, Zn, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, As, Se, Cd) in 47 samples of goat and ovine milk from various farms in Calabria (southern Italy). The results showed that concentrations of cadmium were below the limit of detection. Lead levels were below the maximum limits as set by the EC in almost all samples tested. The highest values were those of Zn followed by Fe, Cu and Se.

Levels and congener pattern of polychlorinated biphenyl and organochlorine pesticide residues in bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) from the Straits of Messina (Sicily, Italy).

The aim of this study is to assess the accumulation of OCs and PCBs in Thunnus thynnus and to elucidate the suitability of this species as a bioindicator for monitoring contaminations of these compounds in the marine ecosystems of the Straits of Messina. This investigation was conducted on fat, liver and muscle samples of 14 T. thynnus collected during April 2004. Quantitative determination of OCs and PCBs in the various samples examined has been carried out using GC-ECD and GC-MS. The results obtained show the presence of low concentrations of p,p'-DDE and PCB congeners (138, 153 and 180) in all fat, liver and muscle samples caught in the Straits of Messina. Concentrations of p,p'-DDE and PCB congeners (138, 153 and 180) in all the samples examined were below MRLs (CE n. 97/41, 1999/65 and 1999/71).

Organochlorine pesticides and PCBs in wild boars from Calabria (Italy).

At present, there are no specific studies on the evaluation of environmental toxicological risks in Calabria (south of Italy) and on the presence of contaminants in the fauna of this region. The aim of the present research was to investigate the levels of contamination by OC pesticides and PCBs in some organs and tissues of wild boars (utilized as 'biological indicator') from various areas of Calabria. Quantitative determinations of organochlorines were carried out using GC-ECD and confirmed with GC-MS in 154 samples from wild boars (heart, liver, lung, kidney, muscle tissue and spleen) during the hunting season from 2000 to 2002. The results indicate the low residual levels of DDE in 8 samples and DDT in 4 samples and PCBs residues (Aroclor 1232) below the detection limits were found. Therefore, these results show that the Calabria region is not at contamination risk from organochlorines and moreover is free from health problems for the consumer of boar meat.

Organochlorine compounds and heavy metals in the soft tissue of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis collected from Lake Faro (Sicily, Italy).

Three hundred samples of Mytilus galloprovincialis were collected from five stations (north, south, east, west and centre) of Lake Faro to evaluate the concentrations of organochlorine compounds and heavy metals. Quantitative determinations of organochlorine pesticides and PCBs were made by GC-ECD and confirmed with GC-MS. Concentrations of "essential" (Cu, Se and Zn) and "toxic" (As, Cd, Hg and Pb) metals were determined by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results obtained show the low residue levels of p,p'-DDE in six samples of M. galloprovincialis from southern (7.00-11.00 ng/g w.w. and 148.3-275 ng/g l.w.) and western (7.60-15.37 ng/g w.w. and 126.7-256.2 ng/g l.w.) areas of Lake Faro. No appreciable residues of PCBs were found in any of the samples examined. Zn concentrations (range 11.0-18.5 microg/g w.w.) were higher than Cu (range 188.3-396.0 ng/g w.w.) and Se (range 93.5-288.9 ng/g w.w.) in all areas of origin. Cd (range 41.9-63.8 ng/g w.w.), Pb (range 64.8-93.0 ng/g w.w.) and Hg levels (range 5.7-13.1 ng/g w.w.) showed lower concentrations than permitted MRLs. The As levels were below detection limits for the all mussel samples. In conclusion, the absence of PCBs, the low levels of p,p'-DDE, the concentrations of Cd, Hg and Pb below permitted MRLs in M. galloprovincialis, used as a "biological indicator", show that Lake Faro is not at contamination risk from these contaminants and moreover is free from health problems for the consumer of mussel products.

Levels of "toxic" and "essential" metals in samples of bovine milk from various dairy farms in Calabria, Italy.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the possible contamination by heavy metals of milk from cows bred on various farms in Calabria. The concentrations of heavy metals were determined in 40 samples of bovine milk from the various dairy farms. Each sample, homogenized and powdered, was mineralized in a microwave oven. Quantitative analyses of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Se were performed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer with graphite furnace; As was analyzed by hot vapor generation technique and Zn with the flame method. As regards toxic heavy metals, highest values are those of As (g.m. 37.90 microg/kg w.w.) and Pb (g.m. 1.32 microg/kg w.w.), while lowest concentrations are those of Cd (g.m. 0.02 microg/kg w.w). With regard to essential metals, Zn (g.m. 2016 microg/kg w.w) and Se (g.m. 13.24 microg/kg w.w.) showed the highest concentrations, followed by Cr (g.m. 2.03 microg/kg w.w.) and Cu (g.m. 1.98 microg/kg w.w.). Further investigations of the levels of heavy metals (As) in a greater number of milk samples from various zones of Calabria are necessary, both to examine this problem from the clinical epidemiological point of view and to identify the possible causes of milk contamination.

Lectin histochemistry of epidermal glandular cells in the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris (Annelida Oligochaeta).

Carbohydrate residues were localized in the glandular cells of the epidermis of Lumbricus terrestris by lectin histochemistry. The following biotinylated lectins were used: ConA, PNA, WGA, UEA-I. Each lectin has a specific binding pattern in the epidermal glandular cells. The ConA binding is evident in the orthochromatic mucous cells; PNA in the metachromatic mucous cells; WGA in the neuroendocrine-like cells; UEA-I in the cuticle. The epidermal glandular cells possess specific sites for the different lectins in relation to their functional characteristics. Therefore, these sugar residues indicate different behaviours of the cells in epidermal functions related to ion transport, receptor-secretory processes and defence.

Effects of monensin on Na+/K(+)-ATPase and Ca(++)-AtPase activities in chick skeletal muscle and myocardium after subacute treatment.

Chicks were treated at 2 weeks of age with 4,15, 40, 100 and 150 mg/kg of monensin, an ionophore used for its anticoccidial and growth-promoting properties. In the present immunohistochemical study, the expressions and distribution of Na+/K(+)-ATPase and Ca(++)-ATPase were studied in myocardium and skeletal muscles (pectoral and quadriceps femoris). We detected an increase of Na+/K(+)-ATPase immunostaining with prominent staining of the sarcolemma and a slight increase of Ca(+)-ATPase with prominent staining of the sarcoplasma.

Effectiveness and kinetic behaviour of tilmicosin in the treatment of respiratory infections in sheep.

Nineteen sheep which were anorexic, pyrexic, coughing, dyspnoeic and had a nasal discharge and symptomatic thoracic sounds on auscultation, received a single subcutaneous dose of 10 mg/kg bodyweight of tilmicosin. The clinical signs were eliminated within four to six days. The kinetic profiles of the drug after a single subcutaneous injection were compared in five healthy sheep and five infected sheep. More of the drug was absorbed by the infected animals and its concentration remained higher for significantly longer. The drug was well tolerated and no local or systemic side effects were observed.

DIEP flap breast reconstruction--new experience.

One of the important microsurgical procedures in our department is breast reconstruction after ablations. For many years, the standard method was reconstruction with autologous tissues--a free TRAM flap with a recipient vessels vasa mammaria. We are convinced that this give very satisfactory results with microsurgical safety of operations. We use this method of reconstruction in 17-20 patients per year. The standard time of unilateral reconstruction is 2.5-4 hours, of bilateral reconstruction 4-6 hours. Postoperative morbidity in the abdominal region is, as a rule, associated with a weakening of the abdominal wall and the development of hemias (Galli et al., 1992); a perforator flap in which neither muscle nor fasciae are used creates the prerequisite condition for markedly reduced the morbidity associated with the site of flap collection. Although we used a perforator flap three times for reconstructions of the extremities as early as three years ago, we began to use it for breast reconstruction from the beginning of 2000. No doubt this late use of a large skin flap supplied by 1-2 perforators was due to a lack of trust in the provision of adequate blood perfusion for the large amount of tissue of the flap. From the beginning of 2000, in the course of five months, nine DIEP flaps were used for breast reconstructions, in two cases for bilateral reconstruction. In two instances sensory nerves of the flap were sutured to the branch of the intercostal nerves at the site of insertion. Seven flaps healed p.p.i; in two instances we were faced with the complication of postoperative venostasis, calling for revision and connection of the superficial venous system of the flap to the circulation. Subsequent healing was without complications. Preparation of the flap appears to be relatively easy, and the only pitfall is the selection of a suitable perforator. The operation is longer by half an hour than the classical free TRAM; when the sensory nerve of the flap is sutured, it is ca 1 hour longer. We like to use the DIEP flap for breast reconstruction, and it is a reliable method even for the reconstruction of large pendulous breasts. The donor site morbidity is significantly lower.

Water excitation MPRAGE MRI of VII and VIII cranial nerves.

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to compare magnetization prepared rapid gradient echo--water excitation (MRPRAGE-WE) with conventional spin echo (CSE) in the evaluation of the VII and VIII cranial nerves. METHODS: One hundred three consecutive patients with symptoms referable to the VII/VIII nerves were studied with CSE T1 and MPRAGE-WE following intravenous gadolinium contrast agent. Each right and left nerve pair was independently evaluated for the presence of an enhancing mass and for visualization of the nerves. RESULTS: On the CSE images, 26 definite and 2 possible lesions were identified, whereas 28 definite and 2 possible abnormalities were seen on the MPRAGE-WE. Four cases were better identified on the MPRAGE-WE and one better seen on the CSE. This difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.19). CSE demonstrated the nerves partially in 23 instances and completely in 6; MPRAGE-WE showed the nerves partially in 35 and completely in 73. This was highly significant (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: With equivalent or slightly improved lesion detection and better visualization of the nerves, MPRAGE-WE may replace CSE in studying the VII/VIII nerves.