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The aim of this study was to evaluate the Sn, Cd, Pb, Se, Ba, Cr, Cu, Ni, Be, Al, V, Fe, Mn, Sb concentrations in women's hair childbearing age (20¬ 30 years) along a litoral area, which falls into two provinces of Campania Region: Naples and Caserta. This area is subject to a high human impact. In addition, since the hair allows us to evaluate the different inputs linked both endogenous contaminations (deposition through the blood) and exogenus (deposition of airborne particulate matter and/or cosmetic products used), it was also possible to evaluate them. Preliminary data have shown a not uniform accumulation. An endogenous contamination for Cd, Pb, Ba, Cu, Ni, Be, Al, V, Fe, Mn, Sb; an exogenous for Cr; and a mixed one for Se and Sn were detected. Through Kruskal-Wallis (p) test significance coefficient, the data showed a clear and significant accumulation of Sn, Cd, Se, Ni, Al, V and Sb.

Leonardo Muratori,1,* Giulia Petroni,1,* Lorenzo Antonuzzo,2,3 Luca Boni,4 Jessica Iorio,1,3 Elena Lastraioli,1 Gianluca Bartoli,1 Luca Messerini,1 Francesco Di Costanzo,2 Annarosa Arcangeli1 1Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 2Medical Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, 3Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, 4Clinical Trials Coordinating Center, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy *These authors contributed equally to this work Background: The identification of early-stage colorectal cancer (CRC) with high risk of progression is one major clinical challenge, mainly due to lack of validated biomarkers. The aims of the present study were to analyze the prognostic impact of three molecular markers belonging to the ion channels and transporters family: the ether-à-go-go-related gene 1 (hERG1) and the calcium-activated KCa3.1 potassium channels, as well as the glucose transporter 1 (Glut-1); and to define the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy in conjunction with the abovementioned biomarkers, in a cohort of radically resected stage I–III CRC patients. Patients and methods: The expressions of hERG1, KCa3.1, and Glut-1 were tested by immunohistochemistry on 162 surgical samples of nonmetastatic, stage I–III CRC patients. The median follow-up was 32 months. The association between biological markers, clinicopathological features, and survival outcomes was investigated by evaluating both disease-free survival and overall survival. Results: Although no prognostic valence emerged for KCa3.1, evidence of a negative impact of hERG1 expression on survival outcomes was provided. On the contrary, Glut-1 expression had a positive impact. According to the results of the multivariate analysis, patients were stratified in four risk groups, based on TNM stage and hERG1/Glut-1 expression. After adjusting for adjuvant therapy, stage I and II, Glut-1-negative, and hERG1-positive patients showed the worst survival experience. Conclusion: This study strongly indicates that the combination of hERG1 positivity and Glut-1 negativity behaves as a prognostic biomarker in radically resected CRC patients. This combination identifies a group of stage I and II CRC patients with a bad prognosis, even worse than that of stage III patients, regardless of adjuvant therapy accomplishment. Keywords: potassium channels, glucose transporter, biomolecular markers, ion channels, prognostic markers

This paper presents some results about the MOSCARDO system, a structural health monitoring platform specifically developed for long-term measurement of heritage structures. The main features of the system are shown with reference to a case study: the Voltone in Livorno (Italy).

Background:Platinum-based drugs such as Cisplatin are commonly employed for cancer treatment. Despite an initial therapeutic response, Cisplatin treatment often results in the development of chemoresistance. To identify novel approaches to overcome Cisplatin resistance, we tested Cisplatin in combination with K + channel modulators on colorectal cancer (CRC) cells.Methods:The functional expression of Ca 2+ -activated (K Ca 3.1, also known as KCNN4) and voltage-dependent (K v 11.1, also known as KCNH2 or hERG1) K + channels was determined in two CRC cell lines (HCT-116 and HCT-8) by molecular and electrophysiological techniques. Cisplatin and several K + channel modulators were tested in vitro for their action on K + currents, cell vitality, apoptosis, cell cycle, proliferation, intracellular signalling and Platinum uptake. These effects were also analysed in a mouse model mimicking Cisplatin resistance.Results:Cisplatin-resistant CRC cells expressed higher levels of K Ca 3.1 and K v 11.1 channels, compared with Cisplatin-sensitive CRC cells. In resistant cells, K Ca 3.1 activators (SKA-31) and K v 11.1 inhibitors (E4031) had a synergistic action with Cisplatin in triggering apoptosis and inhibiting proliferation. The effect was maximal when K Ca 3.1 activation and K v 11.1 inhibition were combined. In fact, similar results were produced by Riluzole, which is able to both activate K Ca 3.1 and inhibit K v 11.1. Cisplatin uptake into resistant cells depended on K Ca 3.1 channel activity, as it was potentiated by K Ca 3.1 activators. K v 11.1 blockade led to increased K Ca 3.1 expression and thereby stimulated Cisplatin uptake. Finally, the combined administration of a K Ca 3.1 activator and a K v 11.1 inhibitor also overcame Cisplatin resistance in vivo.Conclusions:As Riluzole, an activator of K Ca 3.1 and inhibitor of K v 11.1 channels, is in clinical use, our results suggest that this compound may be useful in the clinic to improve Cisplatin efficacy and overcome Cisplatin resistance in CRC.

The Sarno River is one of the most polluted rivers in Italy (Campania region) marked by the presence of tanneries and skin processing factories located along its course and the large-scale dumping of untreated agricultural and industrial waste, in addition to domestic effluents. The aim of this work is to provide a preliminary analysis of the rizosphere of Phragmites australis Cav., interstitial and above waters. The metal contents (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V, Zn and Fe, Mn) were evaluated together with their possible relationships with the physical-chemical properties of the rizosphere samples from along the river and its tributaries, which are now almost entirely fed by urban and industrial waste. With the aim to assess the possible relationships with microbial communities and their possible responses to perturbations, some enzyme activities in the rhizosphere sediments were assayed (acid and alkaline phosphatase, protease, β-glucosidase and peroxidase). The data obtained were compared to Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines (ISQGs), and a “Pollution Load Index” (PLI) was also calculated for each site. Assay analysis, in particular the activity of peroxidase, which was positively correlated with metals, showed a high level of stress. The PLI evaluated showed a progressive level of contamination from the source of the Sarno River to the delta.

Besides being used, for their dense root system, to consolidate embankments subject to erosion, the aquatic macrophytes play an important role at removing contaminants from the rhizosphere by filtration, adsorption, cation exchange and through chemical changes induced by plant organisms. They have been identified as a group potentially useful for bioremediation and biomonitoring. The Sarno River is the most polluted river in Italy (Campania region) because of many important tanneries and leather factories located along its course, and large agricultural and industrial discharges untreated waste made. Additionally, the area is also disturbed by frequent flooding and mudslides; in the last 20 years, the embankments have ruptured two or three times a year, causing spillover of polluted waters into the adjacent countryside with all the risk to the public health. Therefore, the aim of this work was to quantify the trace metals accumulation in Phragmites australis (Cav.) (roots, stolons, stems and leaves) sampled along the Sarno River. The data obtained were compared to the metal concentrations assayed in the rhizosphere sediments and the interstitial water to assess the bioaccumulation in different organs and bio-extraction. The data showed a decreasing metals content in the following order: root> stolon> leaf> stem highlighting the metal block at the root level. Significant and positive correlations were found between rhizosphere and roots metals, suggesting a common origin. Besides, significant correlation found between Ni assayed in interstitial water and roots suggested this as the other pollution source. Besides being used, for their dense root system, to consolidate embankments subject to erosion, the aquatic macrophytes play an important role at removing contaminants from the rhizosphere by filtration, adsorption, cation exchange and through chemical changes induced by plant organisms. They have been identified as a group potentially useful for bioremediation and biomonitoring. The Sarno River is the most polluted river in Italy (Campania region) because of many important tanneries and leather factories located along its course, and large agricultural and industrial discharges untreated waste made. Additionally, the area is also disturbed by frequent flooding and mudslides; in the last 20 years, the embankments have ruptured two or three times a year, causing spillover of polluted waters into the adjacent countryside with all the risk to the public health. Therefore, the aim of this work was to quantify the trace metals accumulation in Phragmites australis (Cav.) (roots, stolons, stems and leaves) sampled along the Sarno River. The data obtained were compared to the metal concentrations assayed in the rhizosphere sediments and the interstitial water to assess the bioaccumulation in different organs and bio-extraction. The data showed a decreasing metals content in the following order: root> stolon> leaf> stem highlighting the metal block at the root level. Significant and positive correlations were found between rhizosphere and roots metals, suggesting a common origin. Besides, significant correlation found between Ni assayed in interstitial water and roots suggested this as the other pollution source.