Seasonal variations in the optical characteristics of dissolved organic matter in glacial pond water

Large amounts of dissolved organic matter (DOM) are stored in mountain glaciers. However, few researches have analysed the optical characteristics of DOM in surface waters fed by mountain glaciers and their seasonal variations. In a pond fed by a glacier we observed simultaneous decreases in the dissolved organic carbon, and increases in both absorbance at 254 nm and specific absorption coefficient (SUVA₂₅₄) during the ice-free season 2015. This behaviour differs from the typical behaviour of lake/pond water in summer, and from the trends observed in a nearby pond not fed by a glacier. The trends of DOM properties, main ions and water stable isotopes at the glacier-fed pond could be attributed to transient modifications of the subglacial hydrological system. Flushing of previously isolated pools of subglacially stored water, containing terrestrial DOM derived from glacially-overridden soil and vegetation, would be driven by intense rainfall events during the melting season. These findings suggest that heavy rainfall events during the melting season have the capability to transiently modify the characteristics of DOM in a glacial pond. These events may be further exacerbated in the future, as summer rainfall events in the Alps are predicted to increase due to global warming.

Case-control study on cancer risk associated to residence in the neighbourhood of a petrochemical plant

The aim of the present study is to investigate cancer mortality and residence in the neighbourhood of the petrochemical plant located in Brindisi, South-eastern Italy. Cases were all subjects resident in Brindisi and in three neighbouring municipalities who died in the study area in 1996-1997 from lung cancer, pleural neoplasm, bladder cancer and lymphohematopoietic malignancies. Controls were subjects resident in the same area and deceased in 1996-1997 for any cause except those listed for the cases. Next of kin's of all study subjects were visited by an interviewer who collected anamnestic information. The main residence of each subject, defined as the longest held residence with exclusion of the last 10 years, was reported on a digitalized map of the study area (MapInfo). The study included 144 cases and 176 controls; response rate was 98%. Residence within 2 km from the centre of the petrochemical plant was associated with a 3 fold increase of the Odds ratios (OR) for lung cancer, which did not reach statistical significance. Living close to the petrochemical plant was associated with moderate increases of OR for bladder cancer and lymphohematopoietic neoplasms which did not reach statistical significance. In conclusion the present study has shown moderate increases in risk for lung, bladder and lymphohematopoietic neoplasms in the population resident within 2 km from the centre of the petrochemical plant in Brindisi. These figures were confirmed after adjusting for smoking habit, occupation and school level. Random misclassification may have somehow resulted in risk underestimation.

[Acute nonbacterial bronchopneumopathies in the 1st years of life. Diagnostic strategies and clinico-epidemiological peculiarities]

The authors summarise diagnostic strategies an clinical epidemiologic peculiarities of non-bacterial bronchopneumopathies in children. The role of classic viral agents (virus influenzal A-B, virus parainfluenza 2-3, RVS) is stressed without neglecting the role of other etiologic agents such as Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Pneumocystis carinii. The Authors point out the necessity of direct investigation (viral cultures, direct investigation in IF and ELISA, investigation with DNA probe use, etc.) and indirect serologic investigation to obtain the greatest possible accuracy an early diagnosis.

[Clinical trial in a child population with bronchial asthma]

A review of 104 children affected with respiratory tract allergies and or rhinoconjunctivitis in hyposensitizing therapy against gramineae pollens or moulds or house dust or Mix dermatophagoides is presented. Clinical evaluations were carried out in order to evaluate the clinical improvement after 1 year and after 4 years therapy (TIS). The best results were detected after 4 years obviously and in some allergic diseases more improvement were found from the authors. The most important results were obtained in bronchial asthma; the worse benefits were detected in allergic conjunctivitis.

[Chlamydia trachomatis pneumonia in childhood. An underestimated problem?]

The study of infections due to Chlamydia trachomatis in children has advanced remarkably during the past ten years. It has been established that Chlamydia trachomatis is a major etiologic agent of conjunctivitis in newborns and genital infections among sexually active persons. Chlamydial pneumonia has come to be recognized as one of the most common forms of pneumonia during the first three months of life. The Authors reported a case of a child admitted to Bambino Gesù Hospital of Rome, affected by Chlamydia trachomatis afebrile pneumonia. The diagnosis was made on the basis of direct and indirect laboratory findings. The remarkable improvement in direct and indirect diagnostic techniques can help the clinicians in diagnostic and therapeutic evaluations.