Identification of hydrocarbon sources in contaminated soils of three industrial areas

The present paper deals with identification of hydrocarbon sources in contaminated soil of three tank farms located in north, central and south Italy. Parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (naphthalene through benzo(g,h,i)perylene) and n-alkanes (n-C10 through n-C36) were determined. The study of source assignments was carried out by their distribution patterns, their diagnostic ratios, and determination of less-commonly used markers. The data show anthropogenic and biogenic origin of n-alkanes and petrogenic and pyrolytic sources of PAHs. Multiple sources of hydrocarbons, that were not considered in the preliminary environmental assessments, are identified. The application of a multi-criteria approach allows to locate petroleum pollution sources that affect the study sites. The results demonstrate that the application of a multi-criteria approach for source identification is a key point to assess environmental damage and prove that an accurate study of source identification has to be performed. The suggested methodology is a useful tool to manage contaminated sites and to plan appropriate interventions of clean up.

Distribution of n-alkanes, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and nitrated polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons between the fine and coarse fractions of inhalable atmospheric particulates

The distribution ratios of n-alkanes, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitrated PAH components between fine and coarse fractions of soot has been investigated in downtown Rome through three field campaigns carried out at different times of the year. The preferential accumulation of almost all species investigated onto fine particles has been observed in all field experiments performed. Moreover, nitrated PAHs had varied distributions, according to the origin of their occurrence in the atmosphere; in fact, congeners of photochemical origin accumulated more in fine particles than those released by primary sources.

Rifamycins as inhibitors of retroviral reverse transcriptase from M-MuLV, RAV-2, and HIV-1

29 Rifamycins were tested for inhibition of Reverse Transcriptase (RT) as potential anti HIV drugs. Two purified commercial enzymes from M-MuLV and RAV-2 were used. Anti-RT activity was also measured on a crude lysate of HIV-1. The results show that some derivatives have interesting levels of activity on isolated M-MuLV and RAV-2 RTs, while they are less active on the RT in the crude HIV-1 lysate. The active derivatives include oximes and hydrazones, alkylaminoderivatives, open ansa-chain derivatives and derivatives carrying a modified nucleoside.

Detection of asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis by real-time B-mode ultrasonography in hip surgery patients

The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the accuracy of real-time B-mode ultrasonography in the diagnosis of asymptomatic proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in hip surgery patients. Venography was adopted as the gold standard. We studied 100 consecutive patients undergoing hip surgery: 60 patients for hip fracture and 40 patients for elective hip replacement. Bilateral real-time B-mode ultrasonography was performed prior to bilateral venography. The two diagnostic procedures were performed on the same day by different investigators unaware of the assigned prophylatic regimen for DVT. Compressibility of the vein segment was adopted as the single criterion for DVT. Venography was performed and judged by radiologists unaware of the ultrasonography results. In 13 limbs venography was either impossible to perform or not adequate for judgement. Ultrasonography and an adequate venography was obtained in 187 limbs. A venography proven DVT was observed in 49 limbs (26.2%) and a proximal DVT in 21 limbs (11.2%). All the patients were asymptomatic for DVT. The sensitivity and specificity of real time B-mode ultrasonography for proximal DVT were 57% (95% confidence interval: C.I. 36-80) and 99% (C.I. 99-100), respectively and the positive and negative predictive values were 93% (C.I. 73-100) and 95% (C.I. 91-97), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for overall DVT were 25% (C.I. 11-38) and 99% (C.I. 97-100), respectively and the positive and negative predictive values were 92% (C.I. 73-100) and 79% (C.I. 76-85), respectively. Our data indicate that real-time B-mode ultrasonography for its high specificity could make venography unnecessary in patients with positive results.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Quinolinehydrazones as inhibitors of retroviral reverse transcriptase

The inhibitory activity of a series of 2- and 4-quinolinehydrazones on retroviral reverse transcriptase has been studied on enzymes from M-MuLV, RAV-2, and on a crude lysate of HIV-1, assuming the first two enzymes as potential models of the third. The highest activity is mainly found in lipophilic, water soluble 4-quinolinehydrazones. The inhibitory activity of these compounds decreases in changing from the M-MuLV to the RAV-2, and HIV-1 enzymes, in this order.

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of dermatan sulphate for prevention of deep vein thrombosis in hip fracture

Dermatan sulphate (MF 701) is a natural glycosaminoglycan that catalyses thrombin inhibition by heparin cofactor II. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MF 701 for prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients with hip fracture. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled design was used to assess two dose regimens of MF 701 in two consecutive study phases. Treatment was started within 48 h from the trauma and continued for 14 days for non-operated patients or until the 10th postoperative day. Bilateral mandatory venography was used to assess the end-point. Eighty patients were included in the first phase (40 MF 701, 40 placebo). MF 701, 100 mg IM b.i.d., did not reduce incidence of DVT from that on placebo and did not induce any bleeding. In the second phase 126 patients were included, with a randomisation ratio of 2:1 (84 MF 701, 300 mg IM b.i.d., 42 placebo). Bilateral venography was obtained for 110 patients. The incidence of DVT was 64% (23/36) in the placebo group and 38% (28/74) in the MF 701 group (p = 0.01; odds ratio [OR] = 0.34, 95% confidence limits [CL] = 0.15-0.80p; proximal DVTs were 42% (15/36) and 20% (15/74), respectively (p = 0.02; OR = 0.36, CL = 0.15-0.89). No significant differences were found in haemorrhagic complications (2.4% in each group), blood loss from drains, blood transfusions, haemoglobin and haematocrit values. This study is the first demonstration that dermatan sulphate is a clinically effective antithrombotic agent without bleeding effects. It also provides evidence of the biological role of heparin cofactor II.

Impedance plethysmography in the diagnosis of asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis in hip surgery. A venography-controlled study

We prospectively evaluated the accuracy of computerized impedance plethysmography (CIP) in the diagnosis of asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in 246 consecutive high-risk patients scheduled for hip surgery, with bilateral venography used for comparison. The CIP was performed as a surveillance program every third day. If the CIP remained negative, bilateral venography was performed on postoperative day 10 +/- 1 or on day of treatment 14 +/- 1 in nonoperated-on patients. If the CIP became positive, venography was performed within 24 hours. The sensitivity and specificity of CIP for proximal and distal DVT were 19% (confidence interval [CI], 13% to 24%) and 91% (CI, 87% to 94%), respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 52% (CI, 38% to 65%) and 70% (CI, 65% to 74%), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of CIP for proximal DVT were 24% (CI, 13% to 34%) and 90% (CI, 87% to 94%), respectively; the positive and negative predictive values were 31% (CI, 20% to 51%) and 87% (CI, 83% to 90%), respectively. We conclude that, because of its low sensitivity, CIP cannot be used in the surveillance of DVT in high-risk patients or for outcome measurements in clinical trials on DVT prophylaxis.

Treatment of infections by staphylococci and other gram-positive bacteria with teicoplanin: an open study

Teicoplanin, 200-400 mg (3-6 mg/kg) daily iv or im, was used to treat 71 episodes of infection. The average duration of treatment was 22 days. The 64 evaluable episodes comprised 24 skin/soft tissue, 20 osteoarticular, ten urinary tract and one ventriculo-atrial shunt infections; one case of primary bacteraemia, three of endocarditis, two of pneumonia and three of pleural empyema. Fifty-five episodes were treated with teicoplanin monotherapy and nine with teicoplanin in association to other antibiotics. Overall 61% (39/64) of the evaluable infections were cured, 25% (16/64) improved and 14% (9/64) failed. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent pathogen, with 46 isolates. Infections by both methicillin-sensitive and resistant Staph. aureus strains showed favourable clinical and microbiological responses to teicoplanin. Side effects were observed in eight of the 64 episodes (12.5%). Bronchospasm was observed in two other cases at the beginning of therapy and the antibiotic administration was discontinued. Teicoplanin is an effective and well tolerated antibiotic for infections by Gram-positive bacteria, and it is effective against methicillin-resistant staphylococci.

Rapidly progressive osteoarthritis of the hip

Osteoarthritis of the hip is rapidly progressive in 5% of cases, particularly in patients of advanced age. At times there is total destruction of the femoral head. Nineteen such cases are described and the literature is reviewed. The clinical picture is dominated by rapidly progressive pain and limping; the radiographic picture by the absence of osteophytosis. The pathology of rapid progression is subdivided into primary and secondary. Several hypotheses of the pathogenesis are discussed. These are related to mechanical overloading factors, local cortisone therapy, anoxia, synovitis. Differential diagnosis is with subacute septic arthritis, monarticular rheumatoid arthritis, and idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Prosthetic replacement is the only treatment indicated and the long-term results do not differ from those obtained in prosthetic replacement for the more common type of osteoarthritis.

A radiographic study of Charnley total hip prostheses

This paper presents a radiographic study of Charnley hip prostheses, 100 fitted by the transtrochanteric route and controlled at a minimum distance of a 2 years and 40 by the posterolateral approach without osteotomy of the trochanter, controlled on the postoperative radiographs. For the first group, the behaviour was studied of the components, bone and cement. For the second, a comparison was made with cases operated on by the transtrochanteric route on the basis of several biochemical parameters.

A case of xanthoma tendinosum associated with Fredrickson's type 4 hyperlipoproteinaemia

Primary xanthoma tendinosum is a very rare condition. The cases so far reported in the literature (200) have been standardised and linked to Fredrickson's type 2 or type 3 hyperlipoproteinaemia. The case reported here, however, is allied to Fredrickson's type 4 hyperlipoproteinaemia.

Results of 100 arthroprostheses of the hip of Charnley's method. (Prospective study, consecutive series)

This is a prospective survey of 100 consecutive cases of arthroprosthesis of the hip by Charnley's method, operated on in a conventional operating theatre under similar environmental conditions to those of the great majority of Italian hospitals. Ninety-four cases were available for review at an average follow up period of three and a half years (with a range of two to seven years). The incidence of infection was very high (9.6 per cent). In two cases there was aseptic loosening of the femoral component, demonstrated at re-operation (2.1 per cent) and in three cases it is suspected but not yet confirmed by re-operation (3.2 per cent). In eighty-three cases (88.2 per cent) the result was considered to be successful.