Natural Radioactivity of the Crystalline Basement Rocks of the Peloritani Mountains (North-Eastern Sicily, Italy): Measurements and Radiological Hazard

Crystalline rocks can produce dangerous radiation levels on the basis of their content in radioisotopes. Here, we report radiological data from 10 metamorphic and igneous rock samples collected from the crystalline basement of the Peloritani Mountains (southern Italy). In order to evaluate the radiological properties of these rocks, the gamma radiation and the radon emanation have been measured. Moreover, since some of these rocks are employed as building materials, we assess the potential hazard for population connected to their use. Gamma spectroscopy was used to measure the 226Ra, 232Th and 40K activity concentration, whereas the radon emanation was investigated by using a RAD 7 detector. The results show 226Ra, 232Th and 40K activity concentration values ranging from (17 ± 4) to (56 ± 8) Bq kg-1, (14 ± 3) to (77 ± 14) Bq kg-1 and (167 ± 84) to (1760 ± 242) Bq kg-1, respectively. Values of the annual effective dose equivalent outdoor range from 0.035 to 0.152 mSv y-1, whereas the gamma index is in the range of 0.22-0.98. The 222Rn emanation coefficient and the 222Rn surface exhalation rate vary from (0.63 ± 0.3) to (8.27 ± 1.6)% and from (0.12 ± 0.03) to (2.75 ± 0.17) Bq m-2 h-1, respectively. The indoor radon derived from the building use of these rocks induces an approximate contribution to the annual effective dose ranging from 8 to 176 μSv y-1. All the obtained results suggest that the crystalline rocks from the Peloritani Mountains are not harmful for the residential population, even though they induce annual effective doses due to terrestrial gamma radiation above the worldwide average values. Moreover, their use as building materials does not produce significant health hazards connected to the indoor radon exposure.

Transcriptomic analysis of nickel exposure in Sphingobium sp. ba1 cells using RNA-seq

Nickel acts as cofactor for a number of enzymes of many bacteria species. Its homeostasis is ensured by proteins working as ion efflux or accumulation systems. These mechanisms are also generally adopted to counteract life-threatening high extra-cellular Ni²⁺ concentrations. Little is known regarding nickel tolerance in the genus Sphingobium. We studied the response of the novel Sphingobium sp. ba1 strain, able to adapt to high Ni²⁺ concentrations. Differential gene expression in cells cultured in 10 mM Ni²⁺, investigated by RNA-seq analysis, identified 118 differentially expressed genes. Among the 90 up-regulated genes, a cluster including genes coding for nickel and other metal ion efflux systems (similar to either cnrCBA, nccCBA or cznABC) and for a NreB-like permease was found. Comparative analyses among thirty genomes of Sphingobium species show that this cluster is conserved only in two cases, while in the other genomes it is partially present or even absent. The differential expression of genes encoding proteins which could also work as Ni²⁺-accumulators (HupE/UreJ-like protein, NreA and components of TonB-associated transport and copper-homeostasis systems) was also detected. The identification of Sphingobium sp. ba1 strain adaptive mechanisms to nickel ions, can foster its possible use for biodegradation of poly-aromatic compounds in metal-rich environments.

Iatrogenic nocturnal eneuresis – an overlooked side effect of anti histamines?

Nocturnal enuresis is a common disorder in childhood, but its pathophysiological mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Iatrogenic nocturnal enuresis has been described following treatment with several psychotropic medications. Herein, we describe a 6-year-old child who experienced nocturnal enuresis during treatment with the antihistamine cetirizine. Drug rechallenge was positive. Several neurotransmitters are implicated in the pathogenesis of nocturnal enuresis, including noradrenaline, serotonin and dopamine. Antihistamine treatment may provoke functional imbalance of these pathways resulting in incontinence.

Assembly of a photosynthetic reaction center with ABA tri-block polymersomes: highlights on protein localization

The micelle-to-vesicle transition technique was used to reconstitute the integral membrane protein photosynthetic reaction center (RC) and the position of the RC in the polymersome vesicle was investigated.

Geochemical monitoring of thermal waters in Slovenia: relationships to seismic activity

Thermally anomalous fluids released in seismic areas in Slovenia were the subjects of geochemical monitoring. Thermal waters were surveyed from the seismically active area of Posocje (Bled and Zatolmin; NW Slovenia) and from Rogaska Slatina in eastern Slovenia. Continuous monitoring of geochemical parameters (radon concentration, electrical conductivity, and water temperature) was performed with discrete gas sampling for their (3)He/(4)He ratio. The observed values were correlated with meteorological parameters (rainfall, barometric pressure and air temperature) and with seismic activity. Only a few earthquakes occurred in the vicinity of the measuring sites during the monitoring period. Nevertheless, changes in radon concentration, water temperature, electrical conductivity and helium isotopic ratio were detected at the three thermal springs in the periods preceding the earthquakes. A close correlation was also observed of both water temperature and electrical conductivity with the Earth tide, making the observations in the selected sites a promising tool for addressing the widely debated question of earthquake prediction.

[Treatment of complications in hypospadias surgery: modern advancement]

BACKGROUND

With today's improved surgical techniques, complications in hypospadias surgery are seen less often, especially in distal form (1-5%). However, in proximal or complex hypospadias complications rate varied between 15 and 57%. Corrective surgery is mandatory in maior complications (urethrocutaneous fistulas, persistent chorde, urethral strictures, superficial skin separation). The search for the innovative surgical procedures and the optimal urethral substitute continues because each tissue has its particular shortcomings and disadvantages.

METHODS

At our hospital complications occurred in 25 ( 15%) of 177 patients who underwent primary hypospadias repair between 1994 and 1998. 9 patients required further surgery to repair the complications of previous hypospadias operations performed at other institutions. When local epithelial tissue was not available, different surgical procedures were performed, using bladder or buccal mucosa graft and free or vascularized tunica vaginalis flaps.

RESULTS

Follow up ranged from 3 to 6 years: the cosmetic and functional results were excellent. Small fistulas occurred in 3 patients and were corrected successfully in a subsequent surgical procedure using a tunica vaginalis wrap.

CONCLUSIONS

The concept of using tunica vaginalis in urethral reconstruction represent a recent innovation. This tissue is a valid alternative in cases of multiple failed repairs.

[Evaluation of the hemorheologic effects of the eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids in asymptomatic dyslipidemic and arteriopathic subjects]

The low incidence of cardiovascular disease in Greenlandic Eskimos is related to the effect of dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. An important anti-atherosclerotic mechanism of compounds such as EPA and DHA consist in the modulation of cell membrane and properties. A change in the lipid composition of the diet and a dietary supplementation with EPA and DHA contribute to suggested potential therapeutic effect on peripheral vascular disease. The Authors report the results obtained by Doppler C.W. ultrasound in hyperlipidemic-arteriopathic patients.

[Goodpasture's syndrome. Observations on a case]

Following a review of the most recent aetiopathogenetic theories and therapeutic records of Goodpasture's syndrome, a personal case is reported. Stress is laid on the extreme clinical variability of the disease and on the role which disseminated intravascular clotting can have on its course.

[Renal tubular acidosis during a course of liver cirrhosis]

In a group of 23 patients suffering from liver cirrhosis, metabolic acidosis was always observed, in most cases corrected by respiratory alkalosis. In 8,6% of cases a tubular renal acidosis (type I), in 8,6% (type II) and 8,6% a loss of urinary bicarbonate without acidosis were observed.