An EPR study on ancient and newly synthesised Egyptian blue.

Two sets of ancient Roman Egyptian blue (EB) samples and one set of EB samples synthesised in our lab, were analysed by EPR spectroscopy, a technique not commonly used in this field. The spectroscopic parameters obtained were used to attempt the discrimination of the provenance and of the manufacturing techniques of the investigated samples. The results obtained show that EPR technique could be very useful for this purpose. Furthermore, the similarity of the obtained parameters between the ancient and new samples testify the successful attempt to reproduce the EB according to the chemical knowledge.

Analysis of Roman age wall paintings found in Pordenone, Trieste and Montegrotto.

The aim of the present work is the study of many fragments of wall painting from archaeological excavations in three different Roman age sites dating back to the I Century before Common Era: Pordenone (località Torre); Trieste (Crosada) and Padova (Montegrotto). The techniques used were optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), equipped with a EDS microanalysis detector, X-rays powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy (FT-Raman) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The identified pigments were: cinnabar, hematite, celadonite, glauconite, cuprorivaite (Egyptian blue), yellow and red ochre, calcite, limonite, coal black. In general, the mortar preparation did not correspond to the complex procedure suggested by Vitruvius (De Architectura), but generally showed a porous layer, with crushed grains under the pigment layer. In some cases, two superimposed pigment layers were found: yellow superimposed on both red and pink, black on pink, green on black. The slight differences we found in the use of the pigments in the three studied sites might show that the same technology, culture and taste spread all over the Roman Empire in North Eastern Italy (X(a) Regio Venetia et Histria).

Analysis of pigments from Roman wall paintings found in Vicenza.

The analysis of about 60 samples of wall paintings was carried out using different chemicophysical techniques: optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an EDS microanalysis detector, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The identified pigments were cinnabar, hematite, red ochre, celadonite, cuprorivaite (Egyptian blue), yellow ochre, goethite and carbon. Only in one case some lead white was found instead. In general, the mortar preparation did not correspond to the complex structure suggested by Vitruvius (De Architectura), but it generally showed a porous layer, with crushed grains under the pigment layer. In certain cases two superposed pigment layers were found: yellow superimposed on both red and pink, black on pink, green on black.

Assessment of chloroaniline toxicity by the submitochondrial particle assay.

The effects on mitochondrial respiration of 15 chloroanilines were recorded by using the in vitro response of submitochondrial particles (SMP) from beef heart mitochondria. The bioassay procedure for SMP is based on the process of reverse electron transfer, which can be negatively affected by inhibitors of electron transport, by uncouplers, and by chemicals that impair membrane integrity. The EC50 values, determined for the tested chloroanilines, indicate a general tendency of increasing toxicity with increasing chlorine substitution. In order to validate the results obtained and to evaluate the capability of the SMP assay to reproduce the toxic effects of the examined compounds on different freshwater species, the EC50 values were compared with literature data from other biological assays regarding both in vitro systems and whole organisms. A good correlation was found in particular with two widely used testing systems, the Microtox and the Tetrahymena assays. In addition, quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) were established between the EC50 values and various molecular descriptors for hydrophobic, steric, and electronic interactions. The results obtained were utilized to elucidate the mechanism of toxic action of chloroanilines, which are commonly reported to act by the polar narcosis mode of action. Moreover, they confirmed that the SMP assay can be a useful tool for studying the toxicity of chemicals that act nonspecifically by impairing membrane structure and functions.

Incidence of transient ischemic attacks in the Belluno Province, Italy. First-year results of a community-based study.

OBJECTIVES: This study formed part of a larger prospective population-based survey on cerebrovascular diseases and aimed to provide reliable and comparable results on TIA incidence and on related risk factors, which could supply investigation objectives and support information for primary and secondary prevention. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We undertook a prospective population-based study in the province of Belluno, an area located in the North-East of Italy where 211,389 people live, utilizing all the possible case-collection sources available in the territory. RESULTS: In the first year of the study (June 1, 1992 to May 31, 1993) 271 patients with a diagnosis of transient ischemic attack were recruited. Among these, we recorded 171 cases of new TIAs. The crude annual incidence rate for new TIAs was 0.80 per 1000, 0.73 per 1000 for men and 0.87 per 1000 for women. After adjustment to the European population, the overall incidence rate decreased to 0.58 per 1000 inhabitants per year. The mean age of new TIA patients was 73.91 years and females were significantly older than males (p < 0.001). A CT scan disclosed an infarct in 21 new TIA patients. CONCLUSION: Our first-year results on new TIAs incidence did not differ from the findings reported in previous population-based studies performed throughout the world and support data as to risk factors for TIA.

Incidence and prognosis of stroke in the Belluno province, Italy. First-year results of a community-based study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We sought to register the incidence rate, risk factors, and case-fatality rate of all the new cases of first-ever-in-a-lifetime stroke in the province of Beluno, Italy. This study aimed to provide an epidemiological survey of cerebrovascular disease that could supply investigative objectives and support information for regional healthcare facilities planning. METHODS: We undertook a prospective population-based study in the territory of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th local health units in the province of Belluno, an area located in northeast Italy (population, 211 389). RESULTS: In the first year of the study (June 1, 1992, to May 31, 1993), 474 cases of first-ever stroke were registered. The crude annual incidence rate was 2.24/1000 (2.01/1000 for men and 2.45/1000 for women). After adjustment to the European population, the incidence rate for first stroke was 1.70/1000 per year. The pathological diagnosis was confirmed by a CT scan in 89.5% of cases. Cerebral infarction accounted for 319 cases, while 93 patients suffered a primary intracerebral hemorrhage, 12 patients a subarachnoid hemorrhage, and 50 patients a stroke of unknown origin. The overall 30-day case-fatality rate was 33%, and the mortality within the first week from stroke onset was 23%. The recurrence rate after 1 month was 1.9%. After 1 month, 46% of our patients were functionally independent in activities of daily living. CONCLUSIONS: Our first-year results confirm the fairly high risk for stroke in central and northern Italy and support European findings regarding risk factors for stroke.

Group B streptococcus: perinatal considerations.

Group B streptococcal (GBS) infections are responsible for significant perinatal morbidity and mortality in the United States. It has been proposed that to prevent neonatal sepsis, all pregnant women be screened for GBS colonization, and that intrapartum antibiotics be used in certain high-risk situations. These recommendations are controversial, as is the current management of the asymptomatic newborn of a GBS-colonized mother.

Trauma in pregnancy.

Trauma is the leading cause of nonobstetric maternal morbidity and mortality in this country. Maternal survival does not guarantee fetal survival, even in cases of apparently minor trauma. The injured pregnant patient presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Physicians who make obstetrics or emergency medicine part of their practice must be aware of these unique problems. Prevention of traumatic injury should remain the focus of office practice.