Mangiferin blocks proliferation and induces apoptosis of breast cancer cells via suppression of the mevalonate pathway and by proteasome inhibition.

Mangiferin is a natural xanthone glycoside with therapeutic potential. Herein, its cytotoxic properties were explored in a human cell model of breast adenocarcinoma. The results supported the multi-target nature of mangiferin action, as the inhibition of three enzymatic systems, namely HMG-CoA reductase, the proteasome and plasmin, respectively in charge of regulating cholesterol homeostasis, protein turnover and cell adhesion, was documented for the first time. Globally, mangiferin was able to selectively block breast cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis and by arresting cell proliferation through a combined action on cholesterol and proteasome pathways, as well as to inhibit plasmin-mediated mechanisms of cell migration.

Cold exposure increases exercise-induced oxidative stress.

AIM: We determined the combined effects of cold and exercise on oxidative stress during submaximal exercise. METHODS: Sixteen amateur male cyclists pedaled at a constant speed corresponding to 85% of maximal HR as determined in normal conditions. Eight athletes pedaled indoors at 23 °C while 8 athletes pedaled outdoors at a temperature of 4-6 °C. We then evaluated the levels of reactive oxygen metabolites and plasma levels of antioxidants after exercise. RESULTS: Performing a physical task in cold conditions increased the free radical production, as demonstrated by the augmented levels of reactive oxygen metabolites and the concomitant decrease of plasma levels of antioxidants in outdoors cyclists as compared to indoors cyclists. The overall ANOVA and the post-hoc comparisons revealed a significant exercise and temperature effect. The mean level of reactive oxygen metabolites in athletes who exercised indoors was significantly lower than that of the outdoor athletes. Moreover, the outdoors group presented plasma levels of antioxidants significantly lower than those of the indoors group. CONCLUSION: Since several sports are performed outdoors during the winter season, the increased risk of oxidative stress in cold conditions must be considered in these disciplines. Cyclists, football and rugby players, and runners are all affected by the elevation in oxygen radicals induced by cold and should take appropriate precautions, such as specific antioxidant integration.

Assessment of body fluid balance and voluntary drinking in ultimate players during a match.

AIM: Ultimate is a sport played by hundreds of thousands of people in more than 42 countries; however, it is still mainly known as a recreational more than a team sport, and further studies are needed to define its physical load. Particularly, since no studies relating Ultimate to hydration have been performed, we aimed to determine body fluid balance, voluntary water intake and the most reliable method for assessing the hydration status of players after a typical 80-minute Ultimate match. METHODS: bioimpedance, urine specific gravity and body mass changes to asses the hydration level of the players were measured. RESULTS: It was observed that not all of the methods are adequate to determine dehydration in Ultimate players, and that measurement of body mass changes represents a reliable and accurate technique. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that ultimate as an intense sport that can induce significant fluid loss, which is not always replaced by individual drinking.

[The monitoring of watercourses on the basis of the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/CE. An integrated methodological approach applied to the appenninici rivers. First data]. / Monitoraggio delle acque superficiali alla luce della Direttiva Europea 2000/60/CE. Un approccio metodologico integrato applicato ai fiumi appenninici. Primi dati.

The pollution of the watercourses is one of the principal causes of the water emergency and, under the sanitary profile, one of the most complex and urgent problem within the Environmental Hygiene. The European Water Framework Directive 2000/60, has confirmed that for a correct qualitative evaluation of the superficial waters the monitoring must be inspired to the prevention and not only to the improvement. In our work we have experimented a new methodological approach to read and to understand the river ecosystem. The River Tronto and the River Tenna has been studied under the chemical-bacteriological profile and under the biological profile, through the Extended Biotic Index. The river continuum has been studied through the Functional Fluvial Index. The data have been correlated among through Principal Component Analysis. The statistic analysis underlines a direct correlation among the two biological indexes and a strong indirect correlation among these last ones and those of chemical-bacteriological nature. The pollution of the watercourses is one of the principal causes of the water emergency and, under the sanitary profile, one of the most complex and urgent problem within the Environmental hygiene. The European Water Framework Directive 2000/60, has confirmed that for a correct qualitative evaluation of the superficial waters the monitoring must be inspires to the prevention and not only to the improvement. In our job we have experimented a new methodological approach to read and to interpret the river ecosystem. The River Tronto and the River Tenna has been studied under the chemical-bacteriological profile and under the biological profile, through the Extended Biotic Index. The river continuum has been studied through the Functional Fluvial Index. The data have been correlated through Principal Component Analysis. The statistic analysis underlines a direct correlation among the two biological indexes and a strong indirect correlation among these last ones and those of chemical-bacteriological nature.

[Protection of the environment, protection of health. Note 2--Monitoring of flood environments: comparison of the results of the different methods and hygienic evaluations]. / Tutela dell'ambiente, tutela della salute. Nota 2--Monitoraggio degli ambienti fluviali: risultati ottenuti da metodi diversi a confronto e considerazioni igienico sanitarie.

The authors take into consideration the results obtained from the application of the different methods and systems of river monitoring (E.B.I, Law 152/99, I.F.F), and they evaluate the agreement of the final judgment. The comparative analysis is conducted pointing out the conceptual and methodological differences of the three systems of the river monitoring. A good agreement of judgement arises from the correlation.

[Protection of the environment, protection of the health. Note 1 - fluvial monitoring: cultural evolution and methodological evolution]. / Tutela dell'ambiente, tutela della salute. Nota 1 - Monitoraggio degli ambienti fluviali: evoluzione culturale ed evoluzione metodologica.

The article underlines the fundamental importance of the protection and promotion of environmental quality for the human health. The evolution of fluvial monitoring techniques is contemplated from chemical and bacteriological analysis until the Index Functional Index (I.F.F). This evolution it's very important because shows a new methodological and cultural maturation that has carried from a anthropocentric vision until an ecocentric vision. The target of this ecological vision is the re-establishment of ecological functionality of the rivers, eliminating the consumer's vision of the water considered only as a usable resource. The importance of an correct monitoring of a river is confirmed, even though the preventive approach priority remains.

[Persistence of circulation of Corynebacterium diphtheriae non-toxigenic strains and low prevalence of carriers in a sample of children vaccinated against diphtheria]. / Persistente circolazione di ceppi non tossigeni di Corynebacterium diphtheriae e bassa prevalenza di portatori in un campione di bambini vaccinati contro la difterite.

This study was carried out with the aim to investigate the presence of carriers of diphtheria bacillus in a sample of 1970 healthy children, 6-14 years aged, residing in eight Italian towns. Three non-toxigenic strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae biotype mitis were isolated from as many healthy children. Molecular characterization by ribotyping showed close genetic relation of two of the wild strains with the C7(b) reference strain whereas one of the wild strains showed close genetic relation with two collection strains isolated in the same geographic area (Emilia-Romagna) from diphtheria patients in the seventy years. This supports the hypothesis of the persistence of some non toxigenic C. diphtheriae strains derived from ancient endemic strains under the selective pressure of mass immunization against diphtheria. The persistence of carriers of diphtheria bacilli, although non toxigenic, suggests that high levels of immunity must be maintained, not only in children, but also in adults by booster vaccination.

[Normative evolution of waters for human consumption]. / Evoluzione normativa della disciplina delle acque destinate al consumo umano.

Recent laws (D.Lgs 339/1999 and 31/2001) have allowed the bottling and sale of spring water and of table water provided they are not defined as "mineral", "natural" or "mineralized", but without characteristics that constitute a danger to human health. Like mineral water spring water mustn't be purified; is bottled as it gushes out from the source and is subject to the same requisites as tap water (DPR 236/1988). Table water is bottled purified water subject to the same requisites as tap water, whatever its original characteristics, during the process of purification, it can be modified to render it ideal for the needs of the consumer.

[Natural disaster and effects on the health]. / Effetti sulla salute di un disastro naturale.

A research was set up among the residents in the seismic epicentral zone of the earthquake which hit the Marches and Umbria in September 1997, using an appropriately formulated questionnaire to assess the repercussions of the seismic event on the psycho-physical condition of the population. Was also administered the Croq and Steinitz questionnaire for post-traumatic stress. The results obtained show that the state of health was undermined by the aggravation of already existent syndromes. Despite the powerful emotional reaction that the earthquake produced, there was found to be only a medium to light level of trauma. In addition, the survey brings out some problems regarding the life style in the prefabricated huts, both in terms of comfort and of building characteristics.

[Young people and drug: distress or new style? Epidemiological survey among an Italian student population]. / Giovani e droga: disagio o nuova tendenza? Indagine tra studenti di scuola media superiore.

The Authors examined the knowledge and motivations which lead young people to using alcohol, smoking and psychotropic substances, and the possible risks deriving from such use. 7588 questionnaires were distributed and 4118 duly returned completed (54.2%). 29.9% of the boys admitted that they were either taking or had taken drugs. The majority of substances identified were "new drugs"--ecstasy, special K, poppers, etc.--(79.8%), marijuana (72%) and hashish (49.2%). 42% claimed that these substances couldn't be considered to be drugs or to have the effects of drugs. 7.5% didn't seem able to reply to the questions. Distress, curiosity, need to overdo, search of the pleasure, they probably lead young people to use the drugs.

[Eating disorders: results of an inquiry carried out on a section of the school age population]. / I disturbi del comportamento alimentare: risultati di una indagine svolta su un campione di popolazione in età scolare.

Anorexia and Bulimia are considered to be among the most frequently manifested psychological problems of today, found mainly in adolescent girls, but ever more frequently in boys. Recent research has been carried out among middle-school students in various Marche towns using a psychometric method (Eat-40, Eating Attitudes Test). The analysis is based on the points highlighted in the response to a questionnaire detailing repetitive behavioral traits that characterize subjects with eating disorders even in their initial stages. From the analysis of the data collected, and bearing in mind the BMI and the different correlation between EAT and BMI, the total number of cases that present anomalies amounts to 24.5% of the individuals who completed the questionnaire.

[Electrical field exposure and human health. Risk assessment and problems relative to bureaucratic procedures and to the role of instituitional organizations in control and prevention]. / Esposizione a campi elettromagnetici e salute dell'uomo. Valutazione del rischio e problematiche relative all'iter normativo e al ruolo degli organi istituzionali nel controllo e nella prevenzione.

After closely analyzing the phenomenon regarding the immense increase and diffusion of equipment which generates low- and high-frequency electromagnetic fields, the AA emphasize both the methodological and interpretive difficulties of assessing the effects produced on public health. They maintain the need to exercise caution in determining the tolerable limits of exposure, and in particular long-term ones. Finally, after analyzing the bureaucratic procedure which led to the formulation of Decree No. 381 of 1998, they express the hope that the various Regions will set themselves high-quality objectives when promulgating the necessary legislation, so as to minimize the risk factor.

Prevalence of diphtheria toxin antibodies in human sera from a cross-section of the Italian population.

A polycentric study was carried out between 1993 and 1995 in order to evaluate diphtheria immunity on a representative sample of population from different areas of Italy. To determine diphtheria antitoxin, sera from 5187 apparently healthy subjects, divided according to sex and age groups, were titrated using an ELISA indirect method. A basic protective titre of diphtheria antitoxin (> 0.01 IU ml-1) was found in 4080 (78.6%) subjects. No statistically significant differences between males and females were observed. Our findings show that the proportion of susceptibles increases with age and a high proportion of adults no longer has diphtheria antitoxin at protective levels since toxigenic C. diphtheriae circulation is presently lacking in Italy.

[Quality of housing in relation with human health. I: Building characteristics of the houses in the Marchesian region]. / Indagine sulla qualità delle abitazioni in relazione alla salute umana. Nota I: Caratteristiche edilizie delle abitazioni marchigiane.

In view of the fact that a considerable proportion of the population particularly at risk (the aged, children, the sick, etc.) spend many hours of the day indoors, the authors report the results of an investigation carried out on the building characteristics of 1833 houses sampled in four towns in the Marches region. The questionnaire of Fusillo et al. was used. The results show an excellent situation with regard both to the quality of outdoor air and acoustic pollution (only 27% of the sample complained of the vicinity of their house to zones of intense traffic). The low index of overcrowding (0.7 inhabitants per room) as well as the overall surface area of the houses (in 60% more than 100 m2), the large number of bathrooms (almost 50% of the houses with two, and another 15% with three or more), and the prevalence of detached houses are factors that show how the Marchean population pay particular attention to building criteria. However, even though from the structural standpoint the housing situation might seem a very good one, specific problems can be found, also common to other Italian regions, regarding building techniques and the materials adopted (e.g. the use of reinforced concrete, which together with the undoubted advantages it offers also has a number of disadvantages). The authors therefore stress the need for incentivating a bioecologically based building tradition, even if this is economically more costly, and give guidelines on how to conciliate the bioecological and economic aspects with regard to choice and use of materials. Finally, they express the hope that the "EC" symbol foreseen for building materials by Law No. 246 of 21 April 1993 will be adequately used in the ways laid down in appendix A to that law.