Trace metals, peroxidase activity, PAHs contents and ecophysiological changes in Quercus ilex leaves in the urban area of Caserta (Italy)

Trace metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, severely affecting human, animal and plants health, highly contribute to the air pollution in urban areas mainly due to car traffic. In this study the air biomonitoring of the city of Caserta (South Italy) has been performed by using Quercus ilex L., a widespread ornamental plant in parks, gardens and avenues. The plant leaves from different sites within the urban area were collected and used to determine the concentrations of V, Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, Cu, and PAHs as well as the free amino acid content and peroxidase enzyme activity as indices of the leaf physiological conditions. All the tested trace metals showed concentrations higher than the control site. Lead was positively correlated to Cd and Cr and showed, also, a positive trend with Ni and Cu that, in their turn, were highly correlated between them. Positive and significant correlations were evidenced between total PAHs and carcinogenic PAHs and negative correlations between those and all trace metals assayed except V. Cu and Cd contents evidence negative correlations with peroxidase activity, and the free amino acid contents. The PAHs, in particular Carc-PAHs, were negatively correlated to the tested heavy metals. POD was positively correlated only with V and negatively correlated with Cu and Cd.

Carboplatin (CBDCA) plus ifosfamide (IFO) as first-line chemotherapy in advanced (FIGO III and IV) ovarian cancer

A phase II study of advanced FIGO III and IV ovarian cancer treated with carboplatin and ifosfamide was performed to define the efficacy and tolerability of this regimen as first-line chemotherapy. From November 1990 to December 1994, 30 women with advanced ovarian cancer or residual disease after initial surgery were treated with carboplatin (300 mg/m(2) intravenously on day 1) and ifosfamide (1,500 mg/m(2) intravenously on days 1-3, with MESNA) every 3 weeks. The overall response rate was 67% (complete response 27%, partial response 40%) and the median duration of response was 14 months (range, 6-36). After a median follow-up of 31 months, the median survival was 24.9 months. Time to progression (p<0.05) and overall survival were longer in the patient group subjected to debulking. This regimen was easily manageable with good activity and acceptable toxicity, and most patients were treated on an outpatient basis.

Heavy metal content in sediments along the Calore river: relationships with physical-chemical characteristics

In the present study, trace metals contents (V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) and physico-chemical parameters (nitrogen, organic and inorganic carbon, pH and particle size) in sediments samples along the Calore river were analyzed in two seasons. Sediment samples were collected in ten sites upstream and downstream of the city of Benevento and its industrial area, the confluence of Sabato and Tammaro tributaries, and the confluence of Calore and Volturno rivers. The highest contents of trace metals were found, generally, in the sites immediately downstream of industrial area and of Benevento city. The sites on the Tammaro and Sabato also showed relatively high contents of Ni and, only for Sabato sites, of Cr, and Fe. With the exception of Cd, the heavy metal contents were highest in the last site of Calore river, which therefore is a source of pollution to the Volturno river. Besides the sites downstream of Benevento city showed the higher pH values and also the highest contents of fine particles size and organic matter. Positive correlations among trace metals, organic substance, particle size sediments were found. The data obtained in this study were analyzed with reference to Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines and indicated moderate-to-high pollution by some trace metals (V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu).

Microbial activities and trace element contents in an urban soil

Soil biological properties are influenced by trace metals. The main sources of these pollutants in the urban areas are industrial plants, power stations, domestic heating systems and motor vehicles. The aim of this work was to evaluate, in relation to distance from urban roads, soil trace metal concentrations (Pb, Cu, Cr, Cd and V) and their influence on C-microbial biomass as well as on soil respiration and enzyme activities (phosphatase glucosidase, galactosidase, xylanase, cellulase, trealase, protease and invertase). The samplings were carried out at four sites, along a route that goes from Giannone Street to Passionisti Street, two heavily travelled roads at two different times of the year (spring and autumn). Heavy metal contents and microbial activities were highest at the sites near the roads. The highest values of microbial activities were found in the inner site; here, on the contrary, the lowest concentrations of heavy metals were measured. Significant and negative correlations were found between microbial activity and heavy metal contents.

Gas exchange of two CAM species of the genus Cissus (vitaceae) differing in morphological features

Pattern and magnitude of stem gas exchange were studied under controlled conditions on two CAM species of the genus Cissus differing in morphological features. In the cactus-like liana Cissus quadrangularis, at water vapour deficit of the air (VPD) lower than 400 mPa Pa(-1) during daytime, under 24/16°C and 27/16°C temperature regime, CO2 uptake occurred during daytime and nighttime but night fixation was responsible for 74 and 77% respectively of the CO2 fixed during the whole diurnal cycle; the contribution of night fixation increased up to 84% at VPD of 590 mPa Pa(-1) under 27/15°C. In Cissus sp., a slightly succulent xerophytic liana with mesophytic deciduous leaves, at 27°C day temperature and VPD of 520-540 mPa Pa(-1), under both 12 and 16°C night temperature, CO2 uptake occurred exclusively during the night; however at lower day temperatures (18-20°C) and lower VPD (169-269 mPa Pa(-1)) substantial CO2 uptake was observed in the light. Transpiration was higher in Cissus sp. than in Cissus quadrangularis under all of the conditions applied; moreover night transpiration in Cissus sp. contributed more to total day transpiration as compared with Cissus quadrangularis. The results support the opinion that the nocturnal gas exchange has a preeminent role in Cissus sp. as compared with Cissus quadrangularis. Indeed under conditions which enhance evaporative demand even well-watered plants of Cissus sp. resort totally to night fixation. In contrast Cissus quadrangularis which shows a larger resistance to water loss and possesses an abundant water storing parenchyma as compared with Cissus sp. resorts totally to night CO2 fixation only under drought stress.